Dallas-Fort Worth on track to hit 100-degree weather records

The Dallas-Fort Worth area has already had more 100 degree days this year than in the previous three years, according to data from the National Weather Service in Fort Worth.

And with oppressive heat expected to continue through at least the next week, the region is on track to see the most 100-degree days in a year since 2013.

While most Texans are used to summer heat, 2022 has had an unusual number of scorching days.

Here’s a look at what 100-degree weather typically looks like in North Texas.

How many 100-degree days does Dallas usually have?

Monday marked the 18th day of 100-degree weather in Dallas-Fort Worth, according to the weather service.

For the past 10 years, Dallas has typically fluctuated between about 10 and 20 100-degree days each year. There have been fewer than 15 days over 100 degrees in the past three years.

The record for the highest number of 100-degree days in a year occurred in 2011, when 71 days were recorded. The previous record was set in 1980, with 69 days.

The record for the last decade occurred in 2012, when 34 days were recorded.

When does the region usually hit 100 degrees?

On average, Dallas-Fort Worth first hits 100 degrees around July 1 and has its last 100-degree day on Aug. 26, according to the weather service.

The earliest first occurrence of 100-degree weather occurred on March 9, 1911. The latest first occurrence was on Aug. 23, 1989. There were no 100-degree days in 1906 or 1973.

In 2022, the region had its first 100-degree day on June 11 – that’s the earliest since 2010, when the first day occurred June 5.

Dallas is already close to hitting record highs for the summer

The record high for the summer was recorded in 1980, when temperatures hit 113 degrees on June 27, according to weather service data.

For the last 10 years, high temperatures for the summer have fluctuated between 102 and 110 degrees.

On July 8, temperatures hit 106 degrees – matching the record high summer temperature for 2020. The record over the last 10 summers was set in 2018 at 109 degrees.

Dallas is close to records for consecutive 100-degree days

Monday marked the 8th consecutive day this year of weather 100 degrees or higher, according to weather service data.

The latest forecasts project that the region will be 100 degrees or higher through at least July 19. If that holds true, Dallas-Fort Worth will be close to current records for the longest stretch of scorching heat in a year.

The highest number of 100-degree days occurred in 1980, when 42 straight days were recorded. Forty days were recorded in 2011, followed by 29 in 1998.

There were 18 straight days of 100-degree weather both in 1978 and 2010, and there were 19 consecutive days in 2006.

Related:How to handle this weekend’s excessive heat warning in Dallas-Fort Worth

Related:5 ways to avoid heat exhaustion, heatstroke in North Texas’ triple-digit temperatures