Heat in Texas, July 1 to 9, 1996

A ridge of high pressure developed over the Southern Plains during the first week of the month. A dry air mass, dry soils, light downslope winds and strong solar heating contributed to temperatures at or above 100 degrees for 7 consecutive days across much of North Texas. Heat indices of 110 to 120 degrees were prevalent during the afternoon with little relief occurring at night as temperatures remained in the upper 70s to lower 80s. Excessive heat advisories were issued for much of northern Texas during this period. Four record high temperatures were observed in the Dallas/Fort Worth area with Waco recording three new record high temperatures during this heat wave. The prolonged heat stressed the health of many and nine people succumbed to it; six in Fort Worth, two in Dallas and one in Denton.