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Excessive heat warning
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
North Texas hit 109°F Sunday, hottest since 2023, with warnings through mid-week.
Extreme heat strains health, fire risk, and vulnerable groups across the region.
Background
A persistent heat dome has settled over the southern U.S., bringing record-challenging temperatures to North Texas and other areas. The National Weather Service has issued excessive heat warnings, and fire danger is elevated due to dry conditions. This heat wave is part of a broader pattern of climate change increasing heat stress, as highlighted by a recent study.
How it unfolded
- Aug 21, 2026Extreme heat warning in effect for North Texas until 8 PM CDT, with an ozone action day declared.
- Aug 23, 2026North Texas faces excessive heat warning for Sunday; morning temps in mid-80s, record-challenging afternoon highs expected.
- Aug 24, 2026Sunday was hottest day since 2023 at 109°F at DFW Airport; Monday another extreme heat warning with temps up to 110°F.
- Aug 25, 2026First Alert Weather Day for North Texas; temps could reach 109°F, DFW high expected 105°F.
- Aug 26, 2026Heat warnings continue; a study reports 560 million children under 10 face extra month of heat stress due to climate change.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- National Weather Service warns of 'dangerously hot conditions' and urges precautions.
- Expert
- Meteorologist Damien Lodes notes record-tying or breaking temperatures and elevated fire danger.
- Public
- Los Angeles County Fire Department advises residents to check on vulnerable neighbors and stay hydrated.