North Texas starts 2026 with springlike warmth, mild days ahead before late-week rain chance

North Texas kicked off 2026 with unseasonably warm and quiet weather, as temperatures climbed into the lower 70s across the Dallas-Fort Worth area on New Year's Day, about 15 degrees above average for early January.

No weather alerts are in effect, and the mild pattern will stick around for several more days. While cloud cover increased Thursday, skies are expected to gradually clear overnight, setting the stage for sunny and even warmer conditions Friday, with highs reaching the mid-70s.

A mainly dry cold front is forecast to move through late Friday into Saturday, bringing a modest cooldown heading into the weekend. Even so, afternoon highs are still expected to land in the mid to upper 60s, keeping temperatures well above normal for this time of year.

January typically starts cooler in North Texas, with average highs near the mid-50s and lows in the mid-30s. By the end of the month, average highs inch closer to the upper-50s, with lows near the upper-30s, a gradual warming trend reflected in the monthly climate graphic.

Looking ahead to next week, the warm pattern continues early, with highs climbing back into the mid to upper 70s by Monday and Tuesday. A weather system arriving by the middle to latter part of next week could finally bring a return to rain chances for at least parts of the region, something the First Alert Weather Team will continue to monitor.

For now, North Texans can expect above-average temperatures, dry conditions and plenty of sunshine as the new year gets underway.