The strong upper-level ridge that has dominated our weather here in North Texas remains centered over the Southern Plains this morning. Interestingly, the ridge has been stronger than forecast models have anticipated over the past several days, which helps explain why actual temperatures have repeatedly run hotter than model guidance. The ridge will gradually shift east through the first half of the week. That may shave a couple of degrees off our temperatures, but it will not bring meaningful relief to North Texas.
Meanwhile, the continued combination of heat, low humidity, worsening drought, and virtually no rainfall will keep the wildfire threat elevated throughout the week.
The lack of rain continues to be one of our biggest weather stories. DFW is on track to finish August with no measurable rainfall, only a trace. That would make August 2026 one of only nine Augusts with no measurable rain at DFW since records began in 1898.
The drought has expanded considerably, and the persistent combination of triple-digit heat, low afternoon humidity, and dry vegetation will keep the threat for new wildfire starts elevated this week. This is especially important with the ongoing large wildfire in the Jack/Palo Pinto County area, where more than 85,000 acres have burned.
Hot and dry on Sunday
Sunday will be another hot and overwhelmingly dry day. Highs will generally reach 99° to 104°, with most of North Texas around or just above 101°. South winds will be around 10 mph with a few higher afternoon gusts. There is just enough moisture across our southeastern counties that an isolated shower cannot be completely ruled out, but the probability is too low for an official rain chance. DFW and the vast majority of North Texas remain dry…