Summer solstice brings heat, storm chances to North Texas on longest day of year
Happy Father's Day and official start to Summer Equinox! Summer Solstice started at 3:24 a.m. on Sunday, and is the longest day of the year. Expect the day to last 14 hours and 19 minutes.
The start of summer will be hot! Most of the North Texas area will see sunshine and dry conditions, though a few afternoon storms will be possible east of I-35. Lightning, gusty winds, and localized flooding due to heavy rainfall are the highest threats.
Sunday will start with a few stratus clouds, with more cloud cover increasing throughout the afternoon. Highs will reach the middle 90s, but with the abundance of moisture in the atmosphere, the heat index is expected to reach around 100 to 105 degrees. Winds will be gusty; peak winds could reach 30 mph.
Sunday overnight storms
Sunday overnight, a complex of storms, some severe, will cross the Red River around 4 a.m. and will cross I-20 around 6 a.m. Strong-to-damaging winds will be the main threat. Brief heavy downpours will be possible as well.
A few stronger storms will be possible during the morning commute. The Storm Prediction Center has highlighted a Marginal risk for severe weather. Stray showers and storms are possible Monday afternoon across our northern counties. Afternoon highs will climb into the mid-90s.
Tuesday will be sunny and hot. Highs will climb into the mid-to-upper 90s, but with the humidity, it will feel like the 100s.
The next week, a southerly wind at the surface and northwesterly flow aloft will prompt an active pattern across North Texas. Some storms will pop up in the plains in the evening and persist overnight throughout the morning across North Texas through midweek.
Regardless of storms, the heat stays in the 90s with heat index values 100+ degrees. By next weekend, DFW may see the first triple-digit day of the year. Stay hydrated and stay tuned!
