From Dallas Express · Dallas Express · · 3m
North Texas breaks heat records as 66-day dry streak ends
DFW endured its third-longest rainless stretch on record and shattered September heat records before rain finally returned.
In brief
DFW endured its third-longest rainless stretch on record and shattered September heat records before rain finally returned. North Texas experienced extreme drought and heat in September 2026, with 15 triple-digit days and 66 consecutive days without rain, both historic records that stress water supplies and…
DFW hits 66-day dry streak
Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport recorded 66 consecutive days without measurable precipitation through Saturday, making it the third-longest rainless stretch on record.
Only two longer dry spells
The 66-day streak falls short of the 67-day dry period in 2022 and the all-time record of 84 days from July through September 2000.
Rain finally returns Monday
Showers and thunderstorms moved into portions of North Texas on Sunday as a weak front approached, with additional rain chances continuing Monday.
September heat shatters records
Through September 17, DFW recorded 15 days with temperatures at or above 100 degrees, nearly doubling the previous September record of 8 days set in 2023.
2026 ranks fifth hottest year
Through September 18, DFW had recorded 52 triple-digit days in 2026, tying 1954 for the fifth-highest annual total on record.
Heat extended far beyond normal
The average last 100-degree day at DFW is August 27, but this year triple-digit heat extended weeks beyond that date into mid-September.
Two consecutive heat streaks
DFW recorded 12 consecutive 100-degree days from August 22 through September 2, then another 13-day streak from September 4 through September 16.
August also exceptionally hot
DFW recorded 27 days of at least 100 degrees during August 2026, tying August 2000 and August 1952 for the second-most ever recorded during that month.
Drought conditions deteriorate
Prolonged heat and lack of rainfall erased improvements from an exceptionally wet late spring, with moderate drought widespread and severe drought redeveloping in portions of North Texas.
Soil moisture and vegetation stressed
The combination of persistent heat, limited rainfall and increasing evaporation has reduced soil moisture and stressed vegetation across the region.
Atmospheric patterns kept cool air out
A positive North Atlantic Oscillation, negative Pacific-North American pattern and positive Arctic Oscillation all contributed to keeping cooler fall air north of the region.
Relief comes with limits
Temperatures are still expected to remain above normal in the lower to mid-90s, and rain chances become limited after the front moves through.
Pattern change possible in October
A more substantial pattern change could become increasingly possible around the beginning of October, though drought conditions may persist even with some rainfall.
Here's the gist
North Texas experienced extreme drought and heat in September 2026, with 15 triple-digit days and 66 consecutive days without rain, both historic records that stress water supplies and vegetation.
