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Climate of Dallas
Climate of Dallas
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Dallas
Climate chart (explanation)
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
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2.1
 
 
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37
 
 
2.6
 
 
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49
 
 
3.1
 
 
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84
65
 
 
4.1
 
 
92
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2.2
 
 
96
77
 
 
2.2
 
 
96
77
 
 
2.8
 
 
89
69
 
 
4.8
 
 
79
58
 
 
2.9
 
 
67
48
 
 
2.7
 
 
58
39
Average max. and min. temperatures in °F
Precipitation totals in inches
Source: NOAA[1]
Metric conversion
J
F
M
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53
 
 
14
3
 
 
66
 
 
16
5
 
 
89
 
 
20
9
 
 
78
 
 
25
13
 
 
125
 
 
29
19
 
 
104
 
 
33
23
 
 
56
 
 
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72
 
 
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122
 
 
26
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73
 
 
20
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14
4
Average max. and min. temperatures in °C
Precipitation totals in mm

Dallas is located in North Texas, built along the Trinity River. It has a humid subtropical climate (Köppen climate classification: Cfa) that is characteristic of the southern plains of the United States. Dallas experiences mild winters and hot summers.

Seasonal climate

[edit]

Summer

[edit]

Summers are very hot and rather humid.Heat waves can be severe and prolonged, usually coinciding with severe drought.The city's all-time recorded high temperature is 113 °F (45 °C) during the Heat Wave of 1980. In July and August, the average high temperature is near 96 °F (36 °C), while the average nighttime low temperature is around 77 °F (25 °C). Days with temperatures exceeding 100 °F (38 °C) happen at least several times during the summer every year. Especially hot and dry summers occurred in 1980, 2011, 2022 and 2023.

Transitional months

[edit]

Spring and autumn bring warm weather to the area. Vibrant wildflowers (such as the bluebonnet, Indian paintbrush and other flora) bloom in spring and are planted around the highways throughout Texas.[2] Springtime weather can be quite volatile, but temperatures themselves are warm on average. The weather in Dallas is also generally pleasant between late October and early December, and unlike springtime, major storms rarely form in the area.

The spring and fall seasons are pleasant in Dallas, as seen in this March photograph from an Oak Cliff park

In the spring, cool fronts moving south from Canada collide with warm, humid air streaming in from the Gulf Coast. When these fronts meet over north central Texas, severe thunderstorms are generated with spectacular lightning shows, torrents of rain, hail, and occasionally, tornadoes (Dallas is located at the lower end of the Tornado Alley).

Winter

[edit]

During the winter months of December to March, daytime highs as high as 76.7–85.9 °F (24.8–29.9 °C) are not unusual during warm spells. On the other hand, a Blue Norther can occur, bringing sudden and possibly-large temperature drops. During cold spells, high temperatures can lower to the 30s F., with low temperatures in the 10-20 F. range, rarely lower than that, for several days. A couple of times each year, warm and humid air from the south overrides cold, dry air, leading to freezing rain, which often causes major disruptions in the city if the roads and highways become slick. On average, even the coldest month of January is generally mild, with an average high of 57.7 °F (14.3 °C) and low of 37.9 °F (3.3 °C). Based on 1991-2020 climate data, the average coldest temperature for an entire year is about 19.1 °F (−7.2 °C), placing Dallas in USDA zone 8b. The all-time recorded low is −3 °F (−19 °C) on January 18, 1930.

Data

[edit]
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °F (°C) 88
(31)
95
(35)
97
(36)
100
(38)
103
(39)
112
(44)
112
(44)
111
(44)
110
(43)
100
(38)
92
(33)
89
(32)
112
(44)
Mean maximum °F (°C) 76.7
(24.8)
80.5
(26.9)
85.9
(29.9)
89.0
(31.7)
95.0
(35.0)
98.9
(37.2)
103.6
(39.8)
104.1
(40.1)
99.1
(37.3)
92.5
(33.6)
82.9
(28.3)
77.9
(25.5)
105.5
(40.8)
Mean daily maximum °F (°C) 57.7
(14.3)
62.0
(16.7)
69.9
(21.1)
77.4
(25.2)
84.9
(29.4)
92.7
(33.7)
96.9
(36.1)
97.1
(36.2)
90.0
(32.2)
79.5
(26.4)
67.8
(19.9)
59.2
(15.1)
77.9
(25.5)
Daily mean °F (°C) 47.8
(8.8)
52.0
(11.1)
59.6
(15.3)
67.1
(19.5)
75.4
(24.1)
83.3
(28.5)
87.3
(30.7)
87.3
(30.7)
80.1
(26.7)
69.1
(20.6)
57.8
(14.3)
49.5
(9.7)
68.0
(20.0)
Mean daily minimum °F (°C) 37.9
(3.3)
41.9
(5.5)
49.4
(9.7)
56.8
(13.8)
66.0
(18.9)
73.8
(23.2)
77.7
(25.4)
77.4
(25.2)
70.1
(21.2)
58.7
(14.8)
47.8
(8.8)
39.8
(4.3)
58.1
(14.5)
Mean minimum °F (°C) 22.5
(−5.3)
26.5
(−3.1)
31.1
(−0.5)
41.3
(5.2)
52.0
(11.1)
64.2
(17.9)
70.8
(21.6)
69.4
(20.8)
56.8
(13.8)
42.0
(5.6)
31.2
(−0.4)
25.1
(−3.8)
19.1
(−7.2)
Record low °F (°C) −3
(−19)
2
(−17)
11
(−12)
30
(−1)
39
(4)
53
(12)
56
(13)
57
(14)
36
(2)
26
(−3)
17
(−8)
1
(−17)
−3
(−19)
Average precipitation inches (mm) 2.59
(66)
2.78
(71)
3.45
(88)
3.15
(80)
4.57
(116)
3.83
(97)
2.54
(65)
2.31
(59)
3.10
(79)
4.79
(122)
2.93
(74)
3.23
(82)
39.33
(999)
Average snowfall inches (cm) 0.1
(0.25)
0.9
(2.3)
0.3
(0.76)
0.0
(0.0)
0.0
(0.0)
0.0
(0.0)
0.0
(0.0)
0.0
(0.0)
0.0
(0.0)
0.0
(0.0)
0.1
(0.25)
0.3
(0.76)
1.7
(4.3)
Average precipitation days (≥ 0.01 in) 7.0 6.9 8.1 7.3 9.4 7.3 4.9 5.1 5.6 7.2 6.5 6.9 82.2
Average snowy days (≥ 0.1 in) 0.4 0.5 0.2 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.3 1.5
Average relative humidity (%) 67.5 66.4 63.7 65.3 69.7 65.8 60.0 60.5 66.5 65.7 67.4 67.5 65.4
Average dew point °F (°C) 31.3
(−0.4)
35.2
(1.8)
42.6
(5.9)
52.0
(11.1)
61.0
(16.1)
66.6
(19.2)
67.6
(19.8)
66.7
(19.3)
63.3
(17.4)
53.2
(11.8)
43.7
(6.5)
34.7
(1.5)
51.5
(10.8)
Mean monthly sunshine hours 183.5 178.3 227.7 236.0 258.4 297.8 332.4 304.5 246.2 228.1 183.8 173.0 2,849.7
Percentage possible sunshine 58 58 61 61 60 69 76 74 66 65 59 56 64
Average ultraviolet index 3 5 7 9 10 10 10 10 8 6 4 3 7
Source 1: NOAA (sun, relative humidity, and dew point 1961–1990 at DFW Airport)[c][4][5][1][6]
Source 2: Weather Atlas (Average UV index)[7]

See or edit raw graph data.

Climate data for Redbird Airport, 1991–2020 normals, extremes 1998–present
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °F (°C) 84
(29)
90
(32)
92
(33)
98
(37)
101
(38)
107
(42)
111
(44)
111
(44)
109
(43)
97
(36)
92
(33)
88
(31)
111
(44)
Mean maximum °F (°C) 77.7
(25.4)
81.5
(27.5)
85.5
(29.7)
88.6
(31.4)
92.9
(33.8)
99.3
(37.4)
103.3
(39.6)
104.7
(40.4)
99.1
(37.3)
92.3
(33.5)
84.1
(28.9)
78.9
(26.1)
105.7
(40.9)
Mean daily maximum °F (°C) 57.4
(14.1)
61.5
(16.4)
69.0
(20.6)
76.2
(24.6)
83.6
(28.7)
91.4
(33.0)
95.9
(35.5)
96.4
(35.8)
89.3
(31.8)
78.8
(26.0)
67.3
(19.6)
58.8
(14.9)
77.1
(25.1)
Daily mean °F (°C) 47.6
(8.7)
51.3
(10.7)
58.7
(14.8)
65.7
(18.7)
73.9
(23.3)
81.7
(27.6)
85.6
(29.8)
85.7
(29.8)
78.7
(25.9)
68.1
(20.1)
57.2
(14.0)
49.1
(9.5)
66.9
(19.4)
Mean daily minimum °F (°C) 37.8
(3.2)
41.1
(5.1)
48.3
(9.1)
55.2
(12.9)
64.2
(17.9)
72.0
(22.2)
75.4
(24.1)
75.0
(23.9)
68.2
(20.1)
57.5
(14.2)
47.1
(8.4)
39.3
(4.1)
56.8
(13.8)
Mean minimum °F (°C) 21.3
(−5.9)
25.1
(−3.8)
29.9
(−1.2)
39.8
(4.3)
49.9
(9.9)
63.4
(17.4)
69.1
(20.6)
68.0
(20.0)
56.5
(13.6)
40.5
(4.7)
30.6
(−0.8)
24.3
(−4.3)
17.4
(−8.1)
Record low °F (°C) 11
(−12)
−1
(−18)
16
(−9)
32
(0)
39
(4)
56
(13)
63
(17)
60
(16)
44
(7)
29
(−2)
22
(−6)
10
(−12)
−1
(−18)
Average precipitation inches (mm) 2.55
(65)
2.57
(65)
3.57
(91)
3.70
(94)
4.34
(110)
3.87
(98)
1.91
(49)
1.80
(46)
2.95
(75)
4.54
(115)
2.78
(71)
3.08
(78)
37.66
(957)
Average precipitation days (≥ 0.01 in) 6.0 7.1 9.2 7.9 10.0 7.5 4.7 5.6 5.6 7.1 7.0 6.8 84.5
Source 1: NOAA[8]
Source 2: National Weather Service (mean maxima/minima 2006–2020)[9]

Snow

[edit]

There are two to three days with hail per year, but snowfall is rare.[10] Based on records from 1898 to 2019, the average snowfall is 2.6 inches per year.[11] It has snowed twice during Thanksgiving day NFL football games at Texas Stadium, in 1993 and 2007, which is comparatively early.[12] The month with the highest snowfall is typically February, with an average of 0.6 inches falling. While the month with the highest number of days with snow falling is typically January, with an average of 0.5 days of snow.[13] The record snowfall was recorded in February 2010, when 12.5 inches of snow fell over two days at the Dallas-Fort Worth International airport.[14]

Volatile weather

[edit]

Tornadoes

[edit]
A multiple-vortex tornado outside of Dallas, Texas on April 2, 1957.

Since Dallas lies at the lower end of the "Tornado Alley", tornadoes have on occasion been a threat to the city. Most tornadoes hit the city during the months of April and May.[15] Dallas was hit by a powerful tornado on April 2, 1957; the tornado was later rated F3.[16] On March 28, 2000, the “Fort Worth Tornado” impacted Dallas's neighbor Fort Worth's downtown, and a tornado in Arlington, Texas also occurred that day damaging some homes. Four people died in Fort Worth as a result of the tornado.[17] That day was the Metroplex's most damaging tornado outbreak since the 1957 event. Another widespread tornado outbreak struck the area in the Dallas tornado outbreak of April 3, 2012, slightly damaging Rangers Ballpark in Arlington and damaging some planes and grounding the others at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport and Dallas Love Field, heavily damaging an elementary school, and destroying semis in a facility. On December 26, 2015, a rare winter tornado outbreak led to the spawning of several tornadoes, including an EF4 tornado near the city of Garland and Rowlett that caused 10 deaths. On October 21, 2019, 10 tornadoes touched down in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, including an EF3 tornado that devastated areas from North Dallas to Richardson.[18]

Floods

[edit]

Major flooding occurred on the Trinity River in the years 1844, 1866, 1871, and 1890, but a major event in the spring of 1908 set in motion the harnessing of the river. On 26 May 1908, the Trinity River reached a depth of 52.6 feet (16.03 m) and a width of 1.5 miles (2.4 km).[19] Five people died, 4,000 were left homeless, and property damages were estimated at $2.5 million.

Now the wreckage of a shed or outhouse would move by, followed by a drowned swine or other livestock. The construction forces of the Texas & Pacific worked feverishly to safeguard the long trestle carrying their tracks across the stream. Suddenly this whole structure turned on its side down-stream, broke loose from the rest of the track at one end and swung out into the middle of the current and began breaking up, first into large sections and then into smaller pieces, rushing madly along to some uncertain destination. [Approximately half a dozen of the workmen fell into the torrent at this point; exaggerated reports of their drowning swept the city.]

— C.L. Moss, [19]

Dallas was without power for three days, all telephone and telegraph service was down, and rail service was canceled. The only way to reach Oak Cliff was by boat.[20] West Dallas was hit harder than any other part of the city—the Dallas Times Herald said "indescribable suffering" plagued the area. Much to the horror of residents, thousands of livestock drowned in the flood and some became lodged in the tops of trees—the stench of their decay hung over the city as the water subsided.[19]

The Trinity River flooding on 8 July 1908.

After the disastrous flood, the city wanted to find a way to control the reckless Trinity and to build a bridge linking Oak Cliff and Dallas. The immediate reaction was citizens and the city clamoring to build an indestructible, all-weather crossing over the Trinity. This had already been tried following the 1890 flood—the result was the "Long Wooden Bridge" that connected Jefferson Boulevard in Oak Cliff and Cadiz in Dallas, but the resulting unstable bridge was easily washed away by the 1908 flood. George B. Dealey, publisher of the Dallas Morning News, proposed a 1.5 miles (2.4 km) concrete bridge based on a bridge crossing the Missouri River in Kansas City. Ultimately a US$650,000 bond election was approved and in 1912, the Oak Cliff viaduct (now the Houston Street Viaduct) was opened among festivities drawing 58,000 spectators. The bridge, at the time, was the longest concrete structure in the world.[19]

In May 2015, the Dallas-Fort Worth Airport received a record-shattering 16.96 inches of rainfall, in a month that obliterated heavy-rainfall records virtually throughout the Southern Plains (Texas and Oklahoma, especially).[21] Strangely enough, a very hot, dry summer followed, resulting in some parts of Texas returning to abnormally dry conditions as early as July 2015, soon after the record May rains erased years-long drought conditions over the area.

El Niño–Southern Oscillation

[edit]

The El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) determines for the most part what the winter and spring months are like in Dallas. During the warm phase (El Niño), winter and spring are colder and receive more snow than usual. Under the cold phase (La Niña), winter and spring are warmer and receive less snow.

Notes

[edit]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
The climate of Dallas, Texas, is classified as humid subtropical, characterized by hot, humid summers and mild, variable winters, with an average annual temperature of 66.6°F (19.2°C) and total precipitation averaging 37.01 inches (940 mm) distributed bimodally across the year. Located in north-central on the southern at elevations between 500 and 800 feet (150–240 m), Dallas experiences a continental influence that results in a wide annual temperature range, from occasional subfreezing lows in winter to triple-digit highs in summer. The city's effect, driven by its metropolitan sprawl, further moderates winter temperatures and reduces the frequency of freezes compared to surrounding rural areas. Summers in Dallas, spanning June through August, are the hottest and most humid season, with normal daily high temperatures reaching 95.6°F (35.3°C) in and lows around 75.8°F (24.3°C), often accompanied by heat indices exceeding 100°F (38°C) due to high . Precipitation during this period is relatively low at about 2 inches (50 mm) per month, primarily from scattered thunderstorms, though prolonged dry spells can elevate risks when combined with gusty winds from passing cold fronts. Winters from to are generally mild, with average highs of 56.5°F (13.6°C) in and lows of 36.1°F (2.3°C), but variability is high due to periodic outbreaks that can bring temperatures down to record lows like -2°F (-19°C) recorded in 2021. Wintry is infrequent, with many seasons seeing little to no measurable , though ice storms can occur and disrupt the region. Spring (March–May) and fall (September–November) are the wettest seasons, each contributing around 10–12 inches ( mm) of rain, often from severe thunderstorms that produce , damaging winds, and flash flooding. lies in a high-risk area for tornadoes, with the metroplex averaging several touchdowns annually, though direct impacts on the city are less common than in surrounding counties; notable events include the 2015 that affected nearby areas. Winds are generally light but can become strong and gusty during frontal passages, particularly in spring, exacerbating fire weather conditions in dry periods. The Trinity River floodplain and nearby reservoirs like Lake Grapevine influence local microclimates, providing some moderation but also contributing to flood risks during heavy rains. Recent climate normals (1991–2020) indicate a slight warming trend, with the annual mean temperature 0.3°F (0.2°C) higher than the previous 30-year period and an increase of about 0.9 inches (23 mm) in annual , reflecting broader patterns of variability in the region. The freeze-free typically spans from early to late November, supporting and urban greenery, though extreme heat days (≥100°F or 38°C) have averaged 15–20 per year in recent decades.

Overview

Classification

Dallas possesses a according to the Köppen-Geiger classification, denoted as Cfa, which features hot and humid summers alongside mild winters and the absence of a pronounced . This categorization reflects the region's temperate thermal regime with sufficient year-round moisture to support lush vegetation, distinguishing it from more arid zones. The defining criteria for a Cfa include an average temperature exceeding 0°C (32°F) in the coldest month, at least one month with an average above 22°C (72°F), and distributed relatively evenly across all seasons without any month falling below one-tenth of the annual total. These thresholds ensure that Dallas experiences no prolonged dry periods, with moisture primarily sourced from influences that moderate temperatures and enhance humidity. In contrast to neighboring areas, Dallas's Cfa classification sets it apart from the semi-arid steppe climates (BSk) prevalent further west, where declining Gulf moisture results in lower annual precipitation and greater aridity. This climatic boundary underscores the transitional nature of , with benefiting from easterly humid airflows. Historically, has maintained this Cfa designation consistently since systematic weather records commenced in the late , based on long-term data from 1898 onward.

General Characteristics

Dallas experiences a characterized by hot, humid summers and mild winters, with significant continental influences due to its inland position. Located in North along the Trinity River and approximately 300 miles inland from the , the city receives moisture from Gulf air masses that moderates temperatures but also contributes to high humidity levels throughout the year. This positioning on the southern results in a wide annual temperature range, with average daily highs of 76.7°F (24.8°C) and lows of 56.5°F (13.6°C), yielding a mean annual temperature of 66.6°F (19.2°C). Annual precipitation totals average around 37 inches (940 mm), distributed bimodally with peaks in spring and fall, while summers tend to be drier except for sporadic . The climate's variability is heightened by frequent frontal systems driven by the , leading to an average of about 47 days per year, which often produce , , or severe winds. Average relative humidity remains moderate at 60-70% year-round, with morning values higher around 82% and afternoon levels dropping to about 49%, influenced by evaporative cooling and Gulf moisture . Longer daylight hours in summer, averaging over 14 hours in , exacerbate heat buildup by allowing prolonged solar exposure, which combines with to create muggy conditions despite the city's inland location. Urban development has further amplified warming trends through the effect, though the core continental patterns persist.

Seasonal Climate

Summer

Summer in , spanning through August, features persistently high temperatures influenced by the region's . Average high temperatures reach 95–97°F (35–36°C) in July and August, with nighttime lows around 75–77°F (24–25°C), creating warm nights that offer little relief from the daytime heat. often elevates the above 105°F (41°C) on many days, intensifying the perceived warmth and contributing to discomfort during outdoor activities. The season's weather patterns are dominated by the Bermuda High, a subtropical high-pressure system that promotes and mostly clear skies, with minimal wind speeds averaging under 10 mph. This setup results in predominantly sunny conditions, interrupted by brief afternoon or evening thunderstorms occurring on about 20–30% of days, which provide sporadic rainfall but rarely alleviate the overall heat. These storms typically form from daytime heating and Gulf moisture, dissipating quickly under the high-pressure influence. In August 2025, a peak gust of 89 mph was recorded, highlighting potential for gusty winds during dry spells. Summer onset begins around mid-May, when the first days exceeding 90°F (32°C) become common, building to a peak in July with an average of 7–10 days above 100°F (38°C), though the full season often sees 20–25 such triple-digit days across the metro area. The all-time record high temperature for Dallas is 113°F (45°C), set on June 26 and 27, 1980, during an extreme heat event. In 2025, the seasonal peak reached 104°F (40°C) on July 31, marking another notably hot close to the month.

Fall

Fall in Dallas marks a transition from the intense summer heat to cooler conditions, with average high temperatures decreasing from 88.6°F (31.4°C) in to 66.6°F (19.2°C) in , while lows drop from 68.5°F (20.3°C) to 46.2°F (7.9°C). This cooling trend is driven by the arrival of periodic cold fronts from the north, which introduce drier air and reduce the high levels typical of summer, often resulting in clearer skies and more comfortable daytime conditions. remains warm, with nearly all days featuring highs exceeding 80°F (27°C), but by late , milder and more stable predominates. Precipitation during fall averages 3 to 4 inches per month, with October typically the wettest at 4.37 inches, often influenced by remnants of tropical systems from the Gulf of Mexico. These events bring light to moderate rain, but the risk of thunderstorms remains low compared to the volatile spring season, as the atmosphere stabilizes with decreasing moisture. Cold fronts occasionally trigger scattered showers, contributing to the overall monthly totals without significant storm activity. The season's progression is highlighted by vegetative changes, with peak foliage coloration occurring from late to mid-November, triggered by the onset of light frosts that enhance autumn hues in trees like oaks and maples. The first measurable frost typically arrives around November 22 on average, signaling the shift toward winter, though occasional warmer days can delay this marker slightly. This period offers pleasant outdoor conditions, with reduced fostering crisp air and sunny days that define Dallas's fall character.

Winter

Winter in Dallas, spanning December through February, is characterized by mild conditions with average high temperatures ranging from 56.5°F to 60.9°F (13.5°C to 16.1°C) and low temperatures from 36.1°F to 40.1°F (2.3°C to 4.5°C), making the coolest month with a mean of 46.3°F (7.9°C). Sub-freezing high temperatures (below 32°F or 0°C) are rare, occurring on average about once per winter season. The season features a mix of sunny days and periods of cloudy, overcast weather influenced by southern low-pressure systems and periodic cold fronts from the north, resulting in an average of 45-50 overcast days across the three months. Freezing conditions at night are common, with approximately 20-25 nights per season where temperatures drop to 32°F (0°C) or below. Northerly outbreaks of cold air can intensify the chill, with wind chills occasionally falling to around 20°F (-6.7°C) despite air temperatures remaining above freezing. Precipitation during winter averages 2.5 to 2.8 inches (64 to 70 mm) per month, primarily as , though occasional sleet occurs with cold fronts. Snowfall is infrequent, with average seasonal accumulation detailed in the precipitation records. The all-time record low temperature is -8°F (-22.2°C), recorded on February 12, 1899, during a historic outbreak.

Spring

Spring in Dallas marks a transitional period of warming temperatures and increasing , as the region shifts from winter's cooler conditions to summer's heat. Average high temperatures rise steadily from 69°F (21°C) in to 84°F (29°C) in May, while lows increase from 48°F (9°C) to 65°F (18°C). This gradual warming is accompanied by high volatility, driven by the clash between warm, moist air from the and cooler fronts advancing from the north. As a result, the frequency of thunderstorms and associated peaks during this season, with and May often experiencing multiple events per week. Precipitation reaches its seasonal peak in spring, totaling approximately 11 inches across , , and May, primarily from intense lines and thunderstorms. These storms contribute to the highest risk in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, where large , damaging winds, and are common. The dynamic weather patterns underscore Dallas's position in a region prone to such instability, with monthly rainfall averages of 3.3 inches in , 3.2 inches in , and 4.8 inches in May. Key transition markers define the onset of spring, including the average last freeze date of , after which frost becomes rare. Additionally, levels surge in due to blooming trees like and cedar, leading to peak seasons for many residents. These storms occasionally produce tornadoes, particularly in May when risks are elevated.

Climate Data

Temperature

The climate of Dallas features a humid subtropical regime with significant temperature variability across seasons, characterized by mild winters and hot summers. According to the 1991–2020 normals from the National Weather Service's station, monthly high s range from 57.7°F in to 97.1°F in , while low s vary from 37.9°F in to 77.7°F in . The annual mean is 68.0°F, with an high of 77.9°F and an low of 58.1°F, reflecting the city's position in the southern where continental air masses influence daily fluctuations.
MonthAverage High (°F)Average Low (°F)Average Mean (°F)
57.737.947.8
62.041.952.0
69.949.459.7
77.456.867.1
May84.966.075.5
92.773.883.3
96.977.787.3
97.177.487.3
September90.070.180.1
October79.558.769.1
November67.847.857.8
December59.239.849.5
Annual77.958.168.0
Data from Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) show similar patterns, with slightly cooler averages due to its more open location, such as a January high of 56.5°F and low of 36.1°F, and an annual mean of 66.6°F based on the same normals period. These stations, along with Redbird Airport, provide representative data for the metro area, where urban development influences local readings. Extreme temperatures underscore Dallas's exposure to both heat waves and occasional arctic outbreaks. The all-time record high is 113°F, recorded on August 13, 1936, at a downtown station, while the record low is -3°F on January 18, 1930; at DFW Airport, the high is 113°F on June 26–27, 1980, and the low is -8°F on February 12–13, 1899. The typical diurnal temperature range averages 18–20°F annually, driven by clear skies and low humidity that allow rapid daytime heating and nocturnal cooling. Temperature variability in Dallas is moderate, with the standard deviation of annual mean temperatures approximately 1.5°F over the 1991–2020 period, indicating relatively stable year-to-year conditions compared to more variable inland climates. An urban warming trend of 2–3°F has been observed at DFW Airport since 1970, attributed partly to the effect from expanding development, which amplifies nighttime lows and contributes to higher overall averages in the metro core. This trend aligns with broader regional increases of about 0.2°F per decade in recent years, exacerbating summer heat.

Precipitation and Snowfall

Dallas receives an average annual precipitation of 37.01 inches based on the 1991–2020 climate normals. Monthly totals vary significantly, with the highest average occurring in May at 4.78 inches, driven primarily by convective activity, and the lowest in July at 2.08 inches during the peak summer dry period. This distribution reflects a bimodal pattern, with wetter conditions in spring and fall compared to the relatively drier summer and winter months. Snowfall in Dallas is infrequent and light, averaging 1.6 inches per year over the 1991–2020 period. Measurable snowfall of at least 1 inch occurs on approximately 0.6 days annually, equating to 3–6 events per decade. The greatest seasonal accumulation on record is 13.5 inches, which fell during the winter of 1977–78. In winter, precipitation often takes the form of from frontal passages or prolonged under stationary cold air masses. Precipitation in the Dallas area is predominantly convective, with thunderstorms accounting for the majority of rainfall events, especially during the spring and summer when instability is high. Frontal systems contribute a substantial portion, particularly in fall and winter, bringing more steady . Spring months exhibit the highest variability in precipitation, with coefficients of variation around 40%, due to the erratic nature of outbreaks. Observational data indicate a slight increase in intense rain events in since 2000, with the number of extreme occurrences above average in the early 2000s and again from 2015 to 2020. This trend aligns with broader NOAA analyses showing elevated rainfall frequency values across parts of , reflecting changes in atmospheric moisture and storm dynamics.

Extreme Weather Events

Heat Waves and Droughts

In the Dallas area, a is commonly defined as a period of three or more consecutive days with maximum temperatures reaching or exceeding 100°F (38°C), reflecting the region's subtropical where such extremes strain local resources and systems. On average, the Dallas-Fort Worth area experiences about 20 days per year with temperatures at or above 100°F, with these events predominantly occurring from late through , peaking in when high-pressure systems dominate and suppress rainfall. One of the most severe episodes occurred during the 2011 Texas drought and , which brought 71 days of 100°F or higher temperatures to —the highest annual total on record—and marked the worst single-year drought since the multi-year event of the in terms of intensity, with statewide crop losses exceeding $5 billion and widespread wildfires. Another notable event unfolded in the summer of 2023, when the area recorded 55 such triple-digit days, the fourth-highest yearly count, exacerbated by persistent ridging aloft that limited convective activity. More recently, in July 2025, a brief but intense heat surge pushed temperatures to a seasonal high of 105°F on July 31 at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, tying for one of the later first occurrences of 100°F in recent years; however, the overall summer of 2025 was mild with only about 7 triple-digit days total. These heat waves frequently coincide with drought conditions, as measured by the Palmer Drought Severity Index (PDSI), which quantifies long-term moisture deficits; during peak periods like 2011, values in north-central Texas often ranged from -2 (moderate drought) to -4 (severe drought), leading to reduced soil moisture, elevated wildfire risk, and agricultural stress across the region. The 2011 event, in particular, saw PDSI values drop below -4.5 in summer months for the North Central Texas climate division, contributing to exceptional drought classifications by the U.S. Drought Monitor. Most Dallas heat waves and associated dry spells endure for 1 to 2 weeks, though exceptional cases like 2011 extended over months with consecutive streaks up to 40 days; they typically conclude with an influx of humid air and thunderstorms from the , which disrupt the upper-level ridge and deliver cooling precipitation.

Cold Snaps and Snowstorms

Cold snaps in Dallas are defined as periods when overnight low temperatures drop to 20°F (–7°C) or below, typically occurring 1 to 3 times per winter season and lasting 2 to 5 days. These events often result from disruptions in the , where a weakened or displaced vortex allows masses to plunge southward into the . On average, Dallas experiences about 3 to 4 days per year with minimum temperatures at or below 20°F, though recent trends show these cold periods becoming shorter due to overall warmer winters. Notable cold snaps have brought significant snow and ice to the region, disrupting daily life. The February 2010 snowstorm dumped a record 12.5 inches of snow at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport over two days, including 11.2 inches in a single 24-hour period, marking the heaviest snowfall on record for the area. More dramatically, in February 2021 delivered 4 to 5 inches of snow and widespread ice accumulation across , accompanied by subfreezing temperatures that persisted for nearly a week. This event triggered statewide power outages affecting millions, including widespread blackouts in the Dallas area. These cold snaps often produce wind chills as low as –10°F (–23°C), exacerbating risks of hypothermia and straining infrastructure ill-equipped for prolonged freezes. The 2021 Uri storm alone caused an estimated $80 billion to $130 billion in economic damages across Texas, including burst pipes, crop losses, and energy sector failures that left infrastructure vulnerable for days. In contrast, the January 2025 winter storm brought a milder 2 to 3 inches of snow to Dallas, with wind chills in the teens but no major power disruptions or widespread infrastructure failures.

Tornadoes

Dallas County experiences an average of 10 to 15 tornadoes annually, with the majority classified as weak EF0 or EF1 events originating from thunderstorms during the peak months of and May. These storms form in the unstable spring atmosphere typical of , where warm, moist air from the clashes with cooler air masses, fostering conditions for rotating updrafts. Among the most significant historical events was the April 2, 1957, F3 tornado that struck and , carving a 16-mile path and resulting in 10 fatalities along with damage to over 500 structures. In a more recent violent outbreak, an EF4 tornado tore through the Dallas suburbs of Sunnyvale, Garland, and Rowlett on December 26, 2015, producing winds up to 180 mph; the overall outbreak killed 13 people, injured dozens, and caused approximately $1 billion in damages across hundreds of homes and businesses. Another impactful tornado, an EF3 with peak winds of 140 mph, touched down near Airport on October 20, 2019, tracking 15 miles northeast through densely populated areas, resulting in no deaths but over $1.5 billion in damages—the costliest tornado in history—and widespread power outages affecting thousands. Tornado paths in the Dallas area frequently align with the I-20 corridor, where low-lying terrain and proximity to urban development amplify risks by channeling storm systems through populated zones. exacerbates these hazards, as expanding suburbs increase the potential for structural damage and generate more airborne debris that can intensify tornado intensity and complicate rescue efforts.

Floods

Dallas experiences both and riverine flooding, primarily along the Trinity River and its tributaries, driven by intense thunderstorms that deliver heavy rainfall over short periods. warnings are issued frequently by the , averaging 5 to 10 per year in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, with the highest incidence during the spring and summer months when convective storms are most active. Major flooding on the Trinity River occurs approximately every 10 to 20 years, typically triggered by rainfall accumulations exceeding 10 inches, which overwhelm the river's capacity and lead to overflows affecting urban and low-lying areas. The city's spring precipitation peaks exacerbate this risk, as seasonal storms often produce the intense downpours necessary for rapid runoff. One of the most devastating events in history was the Great Flood of 1908, when the Trinity River crested at 52.6 feet after 15 inches of rain fell in a short period, expanding the river to over two miles wide and inundating and . The flood resulted in five deaths, displaced 5,000 residents out of a population of about 90,000, and caused damages estimated in the millions of dollars at the time. In 1990, another severe event struck, with cumulative heavy rains totaling 22 inches across the Dallas-Fort Worth area by early May, leading to the worst Trinity River flooding since the floodway's construction and widespread inundation in areas from flash runoff. The May 2015 floods brought record monthly rainfall of 16.96 inches at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, including up to 8 inches in single events, causing over $61 million in damages to and in alone. More recently, the July 2025 central Texas floods, a 500-year event fueled by up to 20 inches of rain in hours, resulted in over 135 deaths statewide and significant disruptions, with minor flash flooding and elevated river levels affecting Dallas's southern outskirts due to overflow from tributaries. Flood mitigation efforts in Dallas, initiated after the 1908 disaster, have substantially lowered the risk of major events. Levees along the Trinity River, first constructed in the late 1920s and fortified in the 1940s through the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Dallas Floodway project, provide containment for flows up to the 100-year flood level, while upstream reservoirs built since the 1930s—such as Lake Bridgeport and Eagle Mountain Lake—help regulate peak discharges and have reduced the frequency of severe riverine flooding by storing excess water. These measures, combined with pumping stations and drainage improvements, have prevented breaches during events like 1990 and 2015, though flash flooding in urban creeks remains a challenge due to impervious surfaces.

Climatic Influences

El Niño–Southern Oscillation

The (ENSO) is a recurring climate pattern involving changes in sea surface temperatures across the tropical , which influences global , including the position and strength of the . During the warm phase, known as El Niño, anomalous warming in the central and eastern weakens and shifts the southward, strengthening its southern branch and steering more storm tracks toward the , including . This mechanism enhances moisture transport from the , leading to altered seasonal weather patterns in . In the El Niño phase, Dallas typically experiences cooler and wetter winters, with often exceeding normal levels and an increased likelihood of wintry due to the amplified storm activity. For instance, the strong 2015-2016 El Niño event brought above-normal rainfall to the region, ranking as the third-wettest November-through-March period on record for Dallas County, with total reaching 19.6 inches compared to the average of about 14 inches. These conditions arise from the southward-displaced funneling more Pacific moisture into , promoting frequent rain and occasional wintry . As of November 2025, ENSO conditions are neutral transitioning to weak La Niña, expected to influence drier conditions in the upcoming winter. Conversely, the cool phase, La Niña, features strengthened that push warm waters westward, resulting in cooler eastern Pacific waters and a northward-shifted that diverts storms away from . This leads to warmer and drier conditions in , with winter precipitation typically reduced and fewer freezing events, as cold air masses are less frequently drawn southward. Summers under La Niña influence can also be hotter, as seen in 2022 when persistent La Niña conditions contributed to one of Texas's most extreme , with recording average summer temperatures 2-3°F above normal and prolonged dry spells exacerbating risks. During neutral ENSO phases, when sea surface temperature anomalies are minimal, Dallas's weather tends to align more closely with long-term climatological normals, without the pronounced shifts in storm tracks or temperature extremes. The ENSO cycle typically oscillates every 2-7 years, with phases defined and monitored by the Oceanic Niño Index (ONI), which tracks three-month running-mean sea surface temperature anomalies in the Niño 3.4 region; El Niño is declared when the ONI reaches or exceeds +0.5°C for at least five consecutive overlapping seasons.

Urban Heat Island Effect

The urban heat island (UHI) effect in Dallas manifests as elevated temperatures in the city compared to surrounding rural areas, primarily due to the absorption and re-radiation of heat by impervious surfaces like and asphalt, coupled with reduced cover that limits evaporative cooling. This phenomenon is especially intense at night, when urban areas can be up to 6°F warmer than rural surroundings, as stored heat dissipates slowly without the moderating influence of natural landscapes. Daytime differentials often reach 5–10°F, exacerbating discomfort during Dallas's already hot summers. Measurements of the UHI in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, comparing urban stations like Dallas Hinton (CAMS 60) to rural sites such as Kaufman (CAMS 71), reveal a monthly maximum intensity of 3.4°C (about 6°F) during July evenings from 2001–2011, with instantaneous peaks up to 5.4°C (9.7°F) under conditions. Long-term trends show contributing an additional 0.14°C (0.25°F) per decade to warming since the early , aligning with an estimated cumulative urban-rural annual increase of approximately 2.2°F over the period since 1940 based on regional records. Summer differentials can peak at around 8°F, as observed in analyses, with Dallas-Fort Worth Airport data reflecting broader urban influences compared to peripheral rural benchmarks. Key contributing factors include extensive urban development, with over 35% of the city's land covered by impervious surfaces such as roads and buildings, spanning more than 217,000 acres within Dallas city limits alone. Vegetation cover remains low at about 29%, insufficient to offset heat retention in densely built areas, while anthropogenic from units accounts for roughly one-third of the UHI intensity, particularly during peak summer demand. These elements amplify local warming, making up to 12°F hotter than less developed outskirts on extreme days. Mitigation efforts focus on expanding , such as increasing urban tree canopy to 35% through initiatives like planting 250,000 trees, which modeling shows could lower temperatures by up to 15°F in targeted hotspots. Existing green spaces, including and its surrounding parkland, provide localized cooling of 2–3°F by enhancing shade and , demonstrating the potential of preserved natural areas to counteract UHI effects within neighborhoods. Combined strategies, including cool roofs and pavements alongside vegetation, have been projected to reduce average warm-season temperatures by about 1°F citywide, with greater impacts on single hot days exceeding 10°F in vulnerable zones. Over the past century, the climate of Dallas has exhibited a warming trend, with the annual mean temperature rising approximately 1.5°F since the early , a pattern consistent with broader observations across . Since 1970, this increase has accelerated slightly, contributing to fewer extremes, including a decrease in the number of nights with temperatures at or below freezing, from an average of about 29 nights per year in the mid-20th century to around 20 in recent decades (1991-2020 normals: 29 nights). This shift is partly influenced by urban expansion amplifying the effect, which elevates local temperatures in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. Data for these trends are primarily drawn from long-term NOAA records at stations like , operational since 1897, providing a robust basis for analysis through 2025. Precipitation patterns in Dallas have shown modest overall increases, with total annual amounts rising by about 5% since 1950, yet the most notable change is in the intensity of events, where extreme daily exceeding 2 inches has increased by approximately 25%. This has led to more frequent episodes, though outliers like the extreme cold and of Winter Storm Uri in February 2021—Dallas's coldest event in decades, with temperatures dropping to -2°F and over 4 inches of —highlight persistent variability in cold-season . These shifts underscore a move toward more intense but not necessarily more frequent wet periods, based on NOAA's historical datasets. The frequency of heat-related events has also intensified, with the number of days reaching 100°F or higher increasing from an average of about 19 per year in the mid-20th century to around 25 in recent decades, particularly evident in record-setting summers like (73 days). Through October 2025, Dallas experienced above-normal temperatures, with a year-to-date average of 71.6°F compared to the long-term norm of around 66°F, continuing the pattern of warmer conditions.

Future Projections

Future climate projections for Dallas indicate significant warming under moderate emissions scenarios such as RCP4.5, with average annual temperatures expected to rise by approximately 3°F by 2036 relative to the 1950-1999 baseline, and further increases of 3-5°F by mid-century (around 2050) compared to late 20th-century levels. This warming is driven primarily by anthropogenic , leading to more frequent and intense heat events; for instance, the number of days exceeding 100°F in is projected to quadruple by 2036 compared to the 1970s-1980s, potentially reaching 40-60 days annually by 2050. Urban growth in the Dallas-Fort Worth area is anticipated to exacerbate this trend through the effect, adding further localized warming on top of regional changes. Precipitation patterns are expected to shift toward greater variability, with annual totals in eastern , including , increasing by about 10% by 2036 relative to historical averages, though much of this will come from more intense storms. Extreme precipitation events are projected to intensify by over 20% and occur more than twice as frequently by mid-century under RCP4.5, heightening risks from flash flooding in urban areas like , where flood frequency could rise by more than 100%. Conversely, droughts are likely to become more severe and prolonged, with meteorological and agricultural droughts extending in duration across the , potentially by 20% or more due to higher rates amid warming. Projections for events suggest an uptick in severe convective activity, including a possible increase in frequency and intensity in the central U.S., though confidence remains low due to model uncertainties. Flood risks will escalate from heavier downpours and more intense storms, while cold-season extremes like events are expected to halve in frequency as winters warm, though occasional ice storms may persist owing to atmospheric variability. These changes, informed by downscaled global climate models, underscore the need for strategies in to address compounded risks from , , and .

References

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