Texas — Warm air spreads across North Texas this morning, drying grasses and warming pavement fast under a bright winter sun. By afternoon, temperatures surge toward record levels, and the landscape responds with heightened fire danger across the Dallas–Fort Worth region.
Highs climb into the upper 70s and low 80s today and Wednesday, just shy of daily records in several cities. Dry air and light winds combine to create an elevated wildfire threat, especially west and south of the Metroplex. Even small sparks can spread quickly under these conditions. Outdoor burning is strongly discouraged, and drivers should avoid parking on tall, dry grass.
To be fair, winds remain lighter than classic fire outbreaks. Still, forecasters stress that fuels are dry enough to support new fires. Conditions feel more like early spring than early January, a reminder of how volatile winter weather can be in Texas.
Changes arrive midweek. Clouds increase Wednesday night as scattered showers and a few thunderstorms develop, mainly across North Texas. Lightning becomes the primary concern, even where rainfall stays light. Most of Central Texas remains dry, at least initially.
By Friday, a cold front sweeps through the region. Temperatures drop closer to seasonal levels, and winds shift north. Any lingering showers exit east, leaving behind cooler, more comfortable air heading into the weekend.
Saturday and Sunday feel noticeably different. Highs settle into the upper 50s and low 60s, with nighttime lows dipping into the 30s. After days of warmth, the cooler air may catch some off guard, especially during early morning travel.
Plan ahead today by avoiding fire-starting activities. Keep weather alerts on through midweek as storms approach. After all, Texas winter weather rarely stays quiet for long.
