Dangerous North Texas Heat Continues

It's like "second verse, same as the first verse."  More intense heat today after 104 degrees yesterday.  The problem is today's high temperatures will be a few degrees hotter.  The mercury will peak to near 105 in the Metroplex.  We go back to September 13, 2011 for the last experience this hot.  It hit 107 degrees that day.

This intense heat occurring without being under a Heat Advisory because the air is dry enough to allow overnight temperatures to dip below advisory criteria into the 60s and low 70s.  The moisture is mixing out during the day with the intense heat and is the only saving grace in our present situation.

And again today we deal with a Level Orange Air Pollution Watch with elevated levels of surface ozone and other pollutants expected due to light winds coupled with the intense heat.  Even in the morning hours, you can see the smog layer over the Metroplex.  Many of us experience difficulty breathing on level orange days.  Please be careful with strenuous activity.

This hot pattern will continue through the work week even though we expect it to ease back from 105 degrees over the next few days.  Here's a little trick that keeps you surprisingly cool:  a wet towel around your neck.  The method capitalizes on the evaporative cooling effective we all experience when getting out of the pool.  Give it a shot!  Here are some simple reminders when dealing with the heat:

Wear light weight, light colored clothing

Drink plenty of water

Make sure pets have plenty of water

Never leave children or pets unattended in vehicles

Check on homebound people