Dallas, TX – A widespread October heatwave is forecast to develop across the central United States next week, bringing unseasonably warm and dry conditions from Texas and Oklahoma north into Kansas, Missouri, and Illinois, according to the National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center.
The 6–10 day outlook, covering October 15–19, shows a strong high-pressure ridge building over the Plains and Mississippi Valley. Daytime highs could reach the mid-80s across parts of Texas, Arkansas, and Missouri, with 70s and low 80s extending through Illinois, Iowa, and Indiana.
According to meteorologists, the pattern will also suppress rainfall, increasing drought concerns in areas already experiencing below-average precipitation. “This is a classic fall warm-up tied to a dominant ridge,” forecasters said, noting that warm, dry air will persist for several days before cooler air returns later in the month.
While much of the central U.S. bakes, cooler and breezier weather will prevail along the Mid-Atlantic coast, including Virginia and the Carolinas, and across Southern California, where onshore flow will keep highs in the 60s and 70s.
The unusual warmth could delay fall foliage and increase wildfire risk in drier regions of the southern Plains.
