Dallas, March 11, 2025 — It may feel like spring has barely arrived, but North Texas is already dealing with mid-summer heat and wildfire risks. With unseasonably warm temperatures, dry air, and gusty winds, fire danger is on the rise across the Dallas-Fort Worth area. While many may enjoy the sunny skies, these conditions could spell trouble if precautions aren’t taken.
Heat Wave in March? What’s Going On?
Dallas is set to experience a week of above-average temperatures, far beyond the typical highs for early March, which usually hover in the mid-60s°F (around 19°C). Here’s a breakdown of what to expect:
- Tuesday, March 11: Sunny and warm, with a high near 79°F (26°C) and a low around 55°F (13°C).
- Wednesday, March 12: Another beautiful but dry day, with highs reaching 82°F (28°C).
- Thursday, March 13: Temperatures rise further, hitting 85°F (29°C) in the afternoon.
- Friday, March 14: The warmest day of the week, with a high of 86°F (30°C). Gusty winds expected.
- Saturday, March 15: A slight cooldown, with highs near 78°F (25°C).
- Sunday, March 16: Mostly sunny, with highs around 80°F (27°C).
While the warm weather is tempting for outdoor activities, it also dries out vegetation, setting the stage for potential wildfires.
Fire Danger on the Rise
The National Weather Service has placed parts of North Texas under a Fire Weather Watch, anticipating low humidity and strong winds that could quickly spread flames if a fire ignites. Factors increasing the fire risk include:
- Dry Vegetation: After several rain-free weeks, grass and brush are primed to burn.
- Wind Gusts: Expected to reach 25-30 mph, making it easier for flames to spread.
- Low Humidity: Dropping below 20%, further drying out trees and brush.
Officials warn that any small spark—from discarded cigarettes, campfires, or power tools—could lead to a fast-moving wildfire. Outdoor burning is strongly discouraged.
How to Stay Safe and Prevent Fires
- Avoid Outdoor Burning – Don’t burn leaves, brush, or trash, even in rural areas.
- Be Mindful of Sparks – If using power tools, keep a water source nearby in case of sparks.
- Secure Loose Items – High winds can knock down power lines or spread embers.
- Report Smoke Immediately – If you see smoke, call 911 to prevent a small fire from becoming a major disaster.
- Stay Informed – Keep up with weather updates and alerts.
Looking Ahead: A Slight Relief?
A cold front is expected to move in Friday night into Saturday, dropping temperatures by about 10 degrees and bringing gusty winds. However, it won’t bring much-needed rain, meaning fire risks will continue into next week.
Dallas, stay cautious, stay cool, and stay safe. Fire season has arrived early, and we all need to do our part to prevent disasters!