After a small reprieve from the heat (thanks to a weak cold front) during the middle of August, the heat returned on the 17th and continued through August 27. The hottest temperatures of the year in North and Central Texas were recorded in this 10-day stretch.
Every event with a place to put it; 92 filed by county or forecast zone are drawn at its center, in a lighter ring. Tap one for its entry below.
Deaths and injuries are direct and indirect together, as the offices filed them. Damage is property and crops in the dollars of the year, not adjusted for inflation, and only where an office estimated it.
The episode as NWS FWD wrote it up.
After a small reprieve from the heat (thanks to a weak cold front) during the middle of August, the heat returned on the 17th and continued through August 27. The hottest temperatures of the year in North and Central Texas were recorded in this 10-day stretch. Another weak cold front brought more relief from the heat for the final 3 days of the month. Starting on August 17th, ERCOT sent advisories asking for voluntary conservation of energy due to the high temperatures.
The local office's own words before the first event, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.
NWS Fort Worth, TX wrote its last area forecast discussion before the first event at Aug 17, 4:08 AM CST, 7 hours 52 minutes earlier.
Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Fort Worth TX 508 AM CDT Thu Aug 17 2023 ...New Aviation, Short Term... .SHORT TERM... /NEW/ Update: A pretty nice morning is underway across beautiful North and Central Texas with 5 AM temperatures mainly in the lower and middle 70s. Not a bad morning to grab a cup of coffee and enjoy the sunrise. Unfortunately, you might want to head inside before midday when temperatures approach the century mark. I'd love to say that a major overhaul was needed to the forecast with rain chances and cooler temperatures being added but that is not the case. It just looks sunny and hot so stay cool if you can. 79 Previous Discussion: /Overnight through Thursday night/ I'm dating myself here, but the weather for the short term and into the long term can be summed up by the mid 80s Glen Frey song "The Heat Is On". Of course he was singing about the police and not the upcoming August Texas weather but nonetheless, it is fitting. Even though it was hotter today with highs generally in the 90s to around 100, dew points were still relatively low so it was actually fairly comfortable. Although low level moisture will begin a slow return overnight through Thursday, it will still be dry enough to allow lows to fall into the 60s and 70s. A building ridge aloft on Thursday will push temperatures above the century mark across the entire forecast area with many of the western zones seeing the hottest temperatures (near or above 110). We will maintain the Excessive Heat Warning for the entire CWA beginning at noon tomorrow, but some of the eastern zones may be borderline on reaching criteria since the moisture return Thursday will keep afternoon heat index values near the ambient temperature. Wind speeds on Thursday will be relatively light (5 to 10 mph) with a relaxed surface pressure gradient in place. A weak cold front will approach the Red River, but vigorous mixing on the leading edge will likely halt its southward progression. Therefore, we don't anticipate any wind shift or precipitation associated with the front. The relatively light wind speeds mentioned above will keep the fire threat from becoming critical. However, fuel will remain dry and extremely receptive to any ignition source, so we will continue to highlight an elevated fire threat. 79 && .LONG TERM... /Issued 246 AM CDT Thu Aug 17 2023/ /Friday through Wednesday/ The upper ridge that was anchored between the Great Salt Basin and the Central Rockies earlier this week will shift to the east and amplify across the Central and Southern Plains Friday through the weekend. Full August sun, building heights and parched soil will yield excessive heat with afternoon highs between 104 and 112. Although low level moisture will increase through the weekend, vigorous boundary layer mixing each afternoon should mix out dew points enough to keep heat index values close to the actual temperature. The exception will be the eastern zones where moisture will be a bit deeper and heat index values will likely exceed 108 both Saturday and Sunday. At this point in time we will keep the Excessive Heat Warning for the entire forecast area through Friday, but an extension through the weekend is extremely likely. Gradual and subtle changes will take place early next week with the upper ridge shifting to the northeast. This minor pattern shift will yield slightly cooler, but still hot, high temperatures. Unfortunately, it will open the door to deeper Gulf moisture which will keep the humidity and heat index values up. The extended models continue to hint at a subtle easterly wave moving up through South Texas in the Tuesday/Wednesday time frame. There will be a chance of showers and thunderstorms across some of our Central Texas counties associated with this feature, should it materialize. We will keep PoPs low (10-30%) for now and await better model continuity before getting too hopeful. It goes without saying that until this region gets wide-spread, appreciable rainfall, the stressed vegetation will remain incredibly receptive to fire starts. About the only good news with regards to the fire threat is that sustained wind speeds through the weekend should remain generally below 15 mph. There will likely be an uptick in wind speeds early next week which may push the fire threat to critical levels, especially west of the I-35 corridor. Unfortunately, the extended outlook through the end of the month does not look promising for rain prospects, but there is always September. Keep those fingers crossed. 79 && .AVIATION... /NEW/ /12Z TAFs/ ...VFR with south flow... No significant aviation weather concerns are expected through Friday morning outside of increased density altitude from the hot afternoon temperatures. Only some passing mid and upper-level clouds are expected today. A southeast wind early this morning will become more southerly by mid-morning at speeds below 12 knots except for a few higher daytime gusts. 79 && .PRELIMINARY POINT TEMPS/POPS... Dallas-Ft. Worth 107 82 109 83 108 / 0 0 0 0 0 Waco 107 80 107 79 106 / 0 0 0 0 0 Paris 100 73 104 75 104 / 0 0 0 0 0 Denton 109 77 110 78 109 / 0 5 0 0 0 McKinney 104 77 106 78 105 / 0 0 0 0 0 Dallas 108 82 110 83 109 / 0 0 0 0 0 Terrell 106 77 109 77 107 / 0 0 0 0 5 Corsicana 107 79 109 79 108 / 0 0 0 0 5 Temple 107 77 107 77 106 / 0 0 0 0 0 Mineral Wells 111 77 112 76 110 / 5 5 0 0 0 && .FWD WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... Excessive Heat Warning from noon today to 9 PM CDT Friday for TXZ091>095-100>107-115>123-129>135-141>148-156>162-174-175. &&
Hazardous Weather Outlook National Weather Service Fort Worth TX 510 AM CDT Thu Aug 17 2023 TXZ091>095-100>107-115>123-129>135-141>148-156>162-174-175-181015- Montague-Cooke-Grayson-Fannin-Lamar-Young-Jack-Wise-Denton-Collin- Hunt-Delta-Hopkins-Stephens-Palo Pinto-Parker-Tarrant-Dallas- Rockwall-Kaufman-Van Zandt-Rains-Eastland-Erath-Hood-Somervell- Johnson-Ellis-Henderson-Comanche-Mills-Hamilton-Bosque-Hill-Navarro- Freestone-Anderson-Lampasas-Coryell-Bell-McLennan-Falls-Limestone- Leon-Milam-Robertson- 510 AM CDT Thu Aug 17 2023 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for North and Central Texas. .DAY ONE...Today and Tonight. Excessive heat is expected across North and Central Texas today with triple-digit temperatures and high heat index values. There is also an elevated threat for wildfires across the entire region this afternoon. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Friday through Wednesday. Triple-digit temperatures and high heat index values will persist through the middle of next week. An elevated fire threat will accompany the heat. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter activation is not expected at this time.
The national radar mosaic for the moment the first event began.
46 heat, 46 excessive heat. Local standard time, as filed.
Temperatures reached 103 or greater and/or heat indices reached 105 or greater across the county each afternoon from August 17 through August 27 2023.
Temperatures reached 103 or greater and/or heat indices reached 105 or greater across the county each afternoon from August 17 through August 27 2023.
Temperatures reached 103 or greater and/or heat indices reached 105 or greater across the county each afternoon from August 17 through August 27 2023.
Temperatures reached 103 or greater and/or heat indices reached 105 or greater across the county each afternoon from August 17 through August 27 2023.
Temperatures reached 103 or greater and/or heat indices reached 105 or greater across the county each afternoon from August 17 through August 27 2023.
Temperatures reached 103 or greater and/or heat indices reached 105 or greater across the county each afternoon from August 17 through August 27 2023.
Temperatures reached 103 or greater and/or heat indices reached 105 or greater across the county each afternoon from August 17 through August 27 2023.
Temperatures reached 103 or greater and/or heat indices reached 105 or greater across the county each afternoon from August 17 through August 27 2023.
Temperatures reached 103 or greater and/or heat indices reached 105 or greater across the county each afternoon from August 17 through August 27 2023.
Temperatures reached 103 or greater and/or heat indices reached 105 or greater across the county each afternoon from August 17 through August 27 2023.
Temperatures reached 103 or greater and/or heat indices reached 105 or greater across the county each afternoon from August 17 through August 27 2023.
Temperatures reached 103 or greater and/or heat indices reached 105 or greater across the county each afternoon from August 17 through August 27 2023.
Temperatures reached 103 or greater and/or heat indices reached 105 or greater across the county each afternoon from August 17 through August 27 2023.
Temperatures reached 103 or greater and/or heat indices reached 105 or greater across the county each afternoon from August 17 through August 27 2023.
Temperatures reached 103 or greater and/or heat indices reached 105 or greater across the county each afternoon from August 17 through August 27 2023.
Temperatures reached 103 or greater and/or heat indices reached 105 or greater across the county each afternoon from August 17 through August 27 2023.
Temperatures reached 103 or greater and/or heat indices reached 105 or greater across the county each afternoon from August 17 through August 27 2023.
Temperatures reached 103 or greater and/or heat indices reached 105 or greater across the county each afternoon from August 17 through August 27 2023.
Temperatures reached 103 or greater and/or heat indices reached 105 or greater across the county each afternoon from August 17 through August 27 2023.
Temperatures reached 103 or greater and/or heat indices reached 105 or greater across the county each afternoon from August 17 through August 27 2023.
Temperatures reached 103 or greater and/or heat indices reached 105 or greater across the county each afternoon from August 17 through August 27 2023.
Temperatures reached 103 or greater and/or heat indices reached 105 or greater across the county each afternoon from August 17 through August 27 2023.
Temperatures reached 103 or greater and/or heat indices reached 105 or greater across the county each afternoon from August 17 through August 27 2023.
Temperatures reached 103 or greater and/or heat indices reached 105 or greater across the county each afternoon from August 17 through August 27 2023.
Temperatures reached 103 or greater and/or heat indices reached 105 or greater across the county each afternoon from August 17 through August 27 2023.
Temperatures reached 103 or greater and/or heat indices reached 105 or greater across the county each afternoon from August 17 through August 27 2023.
Temperatures reached 103 or greater and/or heat indices reached 105 or greater across the county each afternoon from August 17 through August 27 2023.
Temperatures reached 103 or greater and/or heat indices reached 105 or greater across the county each afternoon from August 17 through August 27 2023.
Temperatures reached 103 or greater and/or heat indices reached 105 or greater across the county each afternoon from August 17 through August 27 2023.
Temperatures reached 103 or greater and/or heat indices reached 105 or greater across the county each afternoon from August 17 through August 27 2023.
Temperatures reached 103 or greater and/or heat indices reached 105 or greater across the county each afternoon from August 17 through August 27 2023.
Temperatures reached 103 or greater and/or heat indices reached 105 or greater across the county each afternoon from August 17 through August 27 2023.
Temperatures reached 103 or greater and/or heat indices reached 105 or greater across the county each afternoon from August 17 through August 27 2023.
Temperatures reached 103 or greater and/or heat indices reached 105 or greater across the county each afternoon from August 17 through August 27 2023.
Temperatures reached 103 or greater and/or heat indices reached 105 or greater across the county each afternoon from August 17 through August 27 2023.
Temperatures reached 103 or greater and/or heat indices reached 105 or greater across the county each afternoon from August 17 through August 27 2023.
Temperatures reached 103 or greater and/or heat indices reached 105 or greater across the county each afternoon from August 17 through August 27 2023.
Temperatures reached 103 or greater and/or heat indices reached 105 or greater across the county each afternoon from August 17 through August 27 2023.
Temperatures reached 103 or greater and/or heat indices reached 105 or greater across the county each afternoon from August 17 through August 27 2023.
Temperatures reached 103 or greater and/or heat indices reached 105 or greater across the county each afternoon from August 17 through August 27 2023.
Temperatures reached 103 or greater and/or heat indices reached 105 or greater across the county each afternoon from August 17 through August 27 2023.
Temperatures reached 103 or greater and/or heat indices reached 105 or greater across the county each afternoon from August 17 through August 27 2023.
Temperatures reached 103 or greater and/or heat indices reached 105 or greater across the county each afternoon from August 17 through August 27 2023.
Temperatures reached 103 or greater and/or heat indices reached 105 or greater across the county each afternoon from August 17 through August 27 2023.
Temperatures reached 103 or greater and/or heat indices reached 105 or greater across the county each afternoon from August 17 through August 27 2023.
Temperatures reached 103 or greater and/or heat indices reached 105 or greater across the county each afternoon from August 17 through August 27 2023.
Temperatures on several afternoons from August 17th though the 27th either reached or exceeded 105 degrees or heat indices climbed over 110 degree. In addition to Heat Advisories in effect during this period, Excessive Heat Warnings were also needed at times.
Temperatures on several afternoons from August 17th though the 27th either reached or exceeded 105 degrees or heat indices climbed over 110 degree. In addition to Heat Advisories in effect during this period, Excessive Heat Warnings were also needed at times.
Temperatures on several afternoons from August 17th though the 27th either reached or exceeded 105 degrees or heat indices climbed over 110 degree. In addition to Heat Advisories in effect during this period, Excessive Heat Warnings were also needed at times.
Temperatures on several afternoons from August 17th though the 27th either reached or exceeded 105 degrees or heat indices climbed over 110 degree. In addition to Heat Advisories in effect during this period, Excessive Heat Warnings were also needed at times.
Temperatures on several afternoons from August 17th though the 27th either reached or exceeded 105 degrees or heat indices climbed over 110 degree. In addition to Heat Advisories in effect during this period, Excessive Heat Warnings were also needed at times.
Temperatures on several afternoons from August 17th though the 27th either reached or exceeded 105 degrees or heat indices climbed over 110 degree. In addition to Heat Advisories in effect during this period, Excessive Heat Warnings were also needed at times.
Temperatures on several afternoons from August 17th though the 27th either reached or exceeded 105 degrees or heat indices climbed over 110 degree. In addition to Heat Advisories in effect during this period, Excessive Heat Warnings were also needed at times.
Temperatures on several afternoons from August 17th though the 27th either reached or exceeded 105 degrees or heat indices climbed over 110 degree. In addition to Heat Advisories in effect during this period, Excessive Heat Warnings were also needed at times. Dallas County Health officials reported 806 HRI cases during this periods.
Temperatures on several afternoons from August 17th though the 27th either reached or exceeded 105 degrees or heat indices climbed over 110 degree. In addition to Heat Advisories in effect during this period, Excessive Heat Warnings were also needed at times.
Temperatures on several afternoons from August 17th though the 27th either reached or exceeded 105 degrees or heat indices climbed over 110 degree. In addition to Heat Advisories in effect during this period, Excessive Heat Warnings were also needed at times. Denton County Public Health reported 31 HRIs during this period and one heat-related death.
Temperatures on several afternoons from August 17th though the 27th either reached or exceeded 105 degrees or heat indices climbed over 110 degree. In addition to Heat Advisories in effect during this period, Excessive Heat Warnings were also needed at times.
Temperatures on several afternoons from August 17th though the 27th either reached or exceeded 105 degrees or heat indices climbed over 110 degree. In addition to Heat Advisories in effect during this period, Excessive Heat Warnings were also needed at times.
Temperatures on several afternoons from August 17th though the 27th either reached or exceeded 105 degrees or heat indices climbed over 110 degree. In addition to Heat Advisories in effect during this period, Excessive Heat Warnings were also needed at times.
Temperatures on several afternoons from August 17th though the 27th either reached or exceeded 105 degrees or heat indices climbed over 110 degree. In addition to Heat Advisories in effect during this period, Excessive Heat Warnings were also needed at times.
Temperatures on several afternoons from August 17th though the 27th either reached or exceeded 105 degrees or heat indices climbed over 110 degree. In addition to Heat Advisories in effect during this period, Excessive Heat Warnings were also needed at times.
Temperatures on several afternoons from August 17th though the 27th either reached or exceeded 105 degrees or heat indices climbed over 110 degree. In addition to Heat Advisories in effect during this period, Excessive Heat Warnings were also needed at times.
Temperatures on several afternoons from August 17th though the 27th either reached or exceeded 105 degrees or heat indices climbed over 110 degree. In addition to Heat Advisories in effect during this period, Excessive Heat Warnings were also needed at times.
Temperatures on several afternoons from August 17th though the 27th either reached or exceeded 105 degrees or heat indices climbed over 110 degree. In addition to Heat Advisories in effect during this period, Excessive Heat Warnings were also needed at times.
Temperatures on several afternoons from August 17th though the 27th either reached or exceeded 105 degrees or heat indices climbed over 110 degree. In addition to Heat Advisories in effect during this period, Excessive Heat Warnings were also needed at times.
Temperatures on several afternoons from August 17th though the 27th either reached or exceeded 105 degrees or heat indices climbed over 110 degree. In addition to Heat Advisories in effect during this period, Excessive Heat Warnings were also needed at times.
Temperatures on several afternoons from August 17th though the 27th either reached or exceeded 105 degrees or heat indices climbed over 110 degree. In addition to Heat Advisories in effect during this period, Excessive Heat Warnings were also needed at times.
Temperatures on several afternoons from August 17th though the 27th either reached or exceeded 105 degrees or heat indices climbed over 110 degree. In addition to Heat Advisories in effect during this period, Excessive Heat Warnings were also needed at times.
Temperatures on several afternoons from August 17th though the 27th either reached or exceeded 105 degrees or heat indices climbed over 110 degree. In addition to Heat Advisories in effect during this period, Excessive Heat Warnings were also needed at times.
Temperatures on several afternoons from August 17th though the 27th either reached or exceeded 105 degrees or heat indices climbed over 110 degree. In addition to Heat Advisories in effect during this period, Excessive Heat Warnings were also needed at times.
Temperatures on several afternoons from August 17th though the 27th either reached or exceeded 105 degrees or heat indices climbed over 110 degree. In addition to Heat Advisories in effect during this period, Excessive Heat Warnings were also needed at times.
Temperatures on several afternoons from August 17th though the 27th either reached or exceeded 105 degrees or heat indices climbed over 110 degree. In addition to Heat Advisories in effect during this period, Excessive Heat Warnings were also needed at times.
Temperatures on several afternoons from August 17th though the 27th either reached or exceeded 105 degrees or heat indices climbed over 110 degree. In addition to Heat Advisories in effect during this period, Excessive Heat Warnings were also needed at times.
Temperatures on several afternoons from August 17th though the 27th either reached or exceeded 105 degrees or heat indices climbed over 110 degree. In addition to Heat Advisories in effect during this period, Excessive Heat Warnings were also needed at times.
Temperatures on several afternoons from August 17th though the 27th either reached or exceeded 105 degrees or heat indices climbed over 110 degree. In addition to Heat Advisories in effect during this period, Excessive Heat Warnings were also needed at times.
Temperatures on several afternoons from August 17th though the 27th either reached or exceeded 105 degrees or heat indices climbed over 110 degree. In addition to Heat Advisories in effect during this period, Excessive Heat Warnings were also needed at times.
Temperatures on several afternoons from August 17th though the 27th either reached or exceeded 105 degrees or heat indices climbed over 110 degree. In addition to Heat Advisories in effect during this period, Excessive Heat Warnings were also needed at times.
Temperatures on several afternoons from August 17th though the 27th either reached or exceeded 105 degrees or heat indices climbed over 110 degree. In addition to Heat Advisories in effect during this period, Excessive Heat Warnings were also needed at times.
Temperatures on several afternoons from August 17th though the 27th either reached or exceeded 105 degrees or heat indices climbed over 110 degree. In addition to Heat Advisories in effect during this period, Excessive Heat Warnings were also needed at times.
Temperatures on several afternoons from August 17th though the 27th either reached or exceeded 105 degrees or heat indices climbed over 110 degree. In addition to Heat Advisories in effect during this period, Excessive Heat Warnings were also needed at times.
Temperatures on several afternoons from August 17th though the 27th either reached or exceeded 105 degrees or heat indices climbed over 110 degree. In addition to Heat Advisories in effect during this period, Excessive Heat Warnings were also needed at times.
Temperatures on several afternoons from August 17th though the 27th either reached or exceeded 105 degrees or heat indices climbed over 110 degree. In addition to Heat Advisories in effect during this period, Excessive Heat Warnings were also needed at times.
Temperatures on several afternoons from August 17th though the 27th either reached or exceeded 105 degrees or heat indices climbed over 110 degree. In addition to Heat Advisories in effect during this period, Excessive Heat Warnings were also needed at times.
Temperatures on several afternoons from August 17th though the 27th either reached or exceeded 105 degrees or heat indices climbed over 110 degree. In addition to Heat Advisories in effect during this period, Excessive Heat Warnings were also needed at times.
Temperatures on several afternoons from August 17th though the 27th either reached or exceeded 105 degrees or heat indices climbed over 110 degree. In addition to Heat Advisories in effect during this period, Excessive Heat Warnings were also needed at times.
Temperatures on several afternoons from August 17th though the 27th either reached or exceeded 105 degrees or heat indices climbed over 110 degree. In addition to Heat Advisories in effect during this period, Excessive Heat Warnings were also needed at times.
Temperatures on several afternoons from August 17th though the 27th either reached or exceeded 105 degrees or heat indices climbed over 110 degree. In addition to Heat Advisories in effect during this period, Excessive Heat Warnings were also needed at times.
Temperatures on several afternoons from August 17th though the 27th either reached or exceeded 105 degrees or heat indices climbed over 110 degree. In addition to Heat Advisories in effect during this period, Excessive Heat Warnings were also needed at times.
Temperatures on several afternoons from August 17th though the 27th either reached or exceeded 105 degrees or heat indices climbed over 110 degree. In addition to Heat Advisories in effect during this period, Excessive Heat Warnings were also needed at times. Tarrant County Public Health reported numerous HRIs and 3 heat-related deaths during this period.
Temperatures on several afternoons from August 17th though the 27th either reached or exceeded 105 degrees or heat indices climbed over 110 degree. In addition to Heat Advisories in effect during this period, Excessive Heat Warnings were also needed at times.
Temperatures on several afternoons from August 17th though the 27th either reached or exceeded 105 degrees or heat indices climbed over 110 degree. In addition to Heat Advisories in effect during this period, Excessive Heat Warnings were also needed at times.
Temperatures on several afternoons from August 17th though the 27th either reached or exceeded 105 degrees or heat indices climbed over 110 degree. In addition to Heat Advisories in effect during this period, Excessive Heat Warnings were also needed at times.
As the offices recorded each death: direct deaths were caused by the weather itself, indirect ones by something it set in motion.
| Event | Date | Age | Sex | Where | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Excessive Heat, Denton | 2023-08-22 | 77 | Female | Permanent Home | Direct |
| Excessive Heat, Tarrant | 2023-08-19 | 59 | Male | Outside/Open Areas | Direct |
| Excessive Heat, Tarrant | 2023-08-23 | 84 | Male | Permanent Home | Direct |
| Excessive Heat, Tarrant | 2023-08-27 | 75 | Female | Permanent Home | Direct |
After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.
Every storm in Texas in 2023Every state in 2023This day in weather historyWarnings in Texas, August 2023
NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Storm Events Database, compiled from the National Weather Service’s monthly Storm Data. Complete through 2026-06; NCEI adds each month about 75 days after it ends and revises past years a few times a year. Rebuilt 2026-09-24. Each event’s entry at NCEI: 1134609, 1134610, 1134611, 1134612, 1134614, 1134615, 1134616, 1134617, 1134618, 1134619, 1134620, 1134621, 1134622, 1134623, 1134624, 1134625, 1134626, 1134627, 1134628, 1134629, 1134630, 1134631, 1134632, 1134633, 1134634, 1134635, 1134636, 1134637, 1134638, 1134639, 1134640, 1134641, 1134642, 1134643, 1134644, 1134645, 1134646, 1134648, 1134649, 1134650, and more.