Dallas is waking up warm, cloudy, and sticky early today, with temperatures hovering near 82°F and a line of strong storms sliding south just in time to mess with the morning commute. Gusty winds and bursts of heavy rain from the pre-dawn hours through mid-morning could cut visibility, knock down tree limbs, and slow traffic across the metro. Plan on leaving early and expect rolling slowdowns on the main highways.
At 5:50 a.m., the National Weather Service was tracking a line of strong thunderstorms from Justin to Denton to Blue Ridge, moving south at about 30 mph, and flagging potential wind gusts over 40 mph. A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in effect until 11 a.m. CDT, and the NWS Fort Worth says the storms could bump through key routes, including I-35, I-35W, I-35E, I-20, I-30, and I-45. Localized heavy downpours may sharply reduce visibility and raise the odds of downed limbs and scattered power outages.
Where To Cool Off
Even after the morning storms, temperatures are expected to climb into the low 90s this afternoon, with heat index values near 100 to 102. To help people escape the worst of it, the city is running Beat the Heat cooling centers for anyone who needs a break from the heat. Locations and hours are listed at the City of Dallas cooling centers, and it is a good idea to call ahead, since many libraries and recreation centers pull double duty as daytime cool spots. Drink plenty of water and try to skip long stretches of outdoor work during peak afternoon heat.
Timing And What To Expect
Showers and thunderstorms are most likely before 1 p.m., with activity expected to wind down by mid-afternoon. Only a slight chance of storms is on the table for tonight until tomorrow near a stalled frontal boundary. Forecasters are calling for a high near 91 today, followed by a turn back to hotter and drier weather by midweek, with highs building into the mid to upper 90s and near 100 by the weekend.
Keep a close watch on updated advisories and warnings from the NWS Fort Worth as the storms evolve and new cells fire or fade through the morning.
Commute Tips
Give yourself extra time, slow down where water is ponding on the road, and avoid driving into flooded streets. Most flood-related deaths happen in vehicles, often in spots that did not look that deep from behind the wheel. If you run across downed power lines or large fallen limbs, stay clear and report the hazard to city services or 911. If you have unsecured outdoor furniture or loose items outside and can move them safely before the storms arrive, now is the time…