# 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.
- Title: North Texas breaks heat records as 66-day dry streak ends
- Summary: DFW endured its third-longest rainless stretch on record and shattered September heat records before rain finally returned. North Texas experienced extreme…
- Keywords: north texas, dallas-fort worth, drought, heat wave, precipitation, weather records, september 2026, triple-digit temperatures, dry streak, national weather service, climate conditions, news
- Source: Dallas Express — https://dallasexpress.com/metroplex/dfw-hits-66-day-dry-streak-as-rain-returns-to-parts-of-north-texas
- Author: Dallas Express
- Published: 2026-09-21T12:00:25+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: north texas, dallas-fort worth, drought, heat wave, precipitation, weather records, september 2026, triple-digit temperatures, dry streak, national weather service, climate conditions, news
## 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.
## Key takeaway

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.