Texas is one of the hottest states in the U.S., although Arizona, Louisiana, Florida and Hawaii also often experience extreme heat.
As the second-largest state, Texas’s vast landmass spans multiple climate zones and comprises varying geological features. Texans in the west experience arid desert conditions, while residents in east Texas experience humid subtropical conditions due to their proximity to the Gulf.
Texas experiences its well-known extreme heat most of the year due to its proximity to the equator, its flat terrain, and the mix of both dry air and humidity. Temperatures in Texas can become dangerously high, leading to heatwaves and periods of drought across the state.
Prolonged heat can strain water supplies, disrupt crop production and increase energy demand for cooling systems. These effects tax the power grid and can lead to power outages, particularly as energy demand outstrips the supply of electricity. Because of the free market caused by deregulation, these extreme impacts on supply and demand can directly impact energy rates in the Lone Star State.
Highest Temperatures in Texas
Summer temperatures can be absolutely blistering, with major metropolitan areas consistently experiencing highs above 90°F (32°C) between May and September. In major cities — Dallas, Houston and Austin — temperatures often reach or exceed 100°F (38°C) in June, July and August, with Houston feeling even hotter due to its high humidity levels.
San Antonio, while typically a few degrees cooler than cities further east, still sees frequent stretches of 100°F days. The sweltering temps create urban heat islands because the concrete and asphalt trap in the heat, which can make cities feel even hotter.
Texans have come to expect extreme summer conditions, and residents often prepare for them by using strategies to stay cool, such as air conditioning, hydration and minimizing sun exposure.
Record High Temperatures in 2024
In 2024, Texas experienced some of its hottest temperatures on record, with many cities breaking historical heat benchmarks. On June 28, 2024, the town of El Paso recorded a staggering 115°F (46°C), marking one of its highest temperatures ever. Austin and Dallas also faced extreme heat waves, with temperatures reaching 106°F (41°C) in mid-July, breaking previous records for those cities.
In addition to scorching daytime highs, overnight lows in some urban areas remained uncomfortably warm, above 80°F (27°C). Thus, Texans could not experience relief from the heat even overnight.
116 degrees in La Puerta — May 9, 2024
On May 9, 2024, La Puerta, Texas, hit an extreme 116°F (47°C), setting a new temperature record. A combination of a strong high-pressure system sitting over the area caused the heat by trapping hot, dry air and preventing any cooling breeze or cloud cover. The extreme heat had significant impacts on the residents of La Puerta, including stressing the power grid, threatening crops and increasing the risk of drought and wildfires. Residents were also fearful of power outages, heat exhaustion and dehydration.
Predicted Temperature Trends for 2025
While 2025 has started off with surprisingly cold temperatures, meteorological predictions for Texas in 2025 suggest another year of extreme temperatures. Severe heat waves and record-breaking temperatures are likely across much of the state, especially during the summer months. Current climate models indicate that Texas will continue to experience the effects of global warming, leading to longer and more intense heat, especially in the urban regions.
Based on historical data points, triple-digit temperatures are likely to occur more frequently, with western Texas and the Rio Grande Valley regions at a greater risk. The Gulf Coast is also likely to experience increased humidity, making the heat feel even more oppressive. Texans should prepare for a warmer-than-normal year.
Historical Record Temperatures in Texas
The hottest temperatures ever recorded in Texas showcase the extreme heat and worsening severity of global warming. Official weather stations, verified by agencies like the National Weather Service, have documented temperatures and heat events, such as heat waves. Below, we highlight a list of some of these most intense recordings.
120 degrees in Monahans — August 12, 1936
On August 12, 1936, Monahans, Texas, reached 120°F (49°C), the highest temperatures ever recorded in the state. It occurred during the height of the Dust Bowl, a period of severe drought, intense heat and dust waves that affected much of the Great Plains. A high-pressure system settled over the region, trapping it in hot, dry air, while the lack of moisture and vegetation exacerbated the heat and frequency of dust waves.
120 degrees in Seymour — June 28, 1994
On June 28, 1994, Seymour, Texas, matched the state’s record-high temperature of 120°F (49°C), a benchmark previously reached in Monahans in 1936. A strong high-pressure system lingered over the state, intensifying an already brutal heatwave across much of North and West Texas.
119 degrees in Big Bend — June 23, 2023
On June 23, 2023, Big Bend National Park reached 119°F (48°C) due to a high-pressure system trapping hot, dry air over the region. The desert landscape’s dry terrain and limited vegetation only worsened the heat.
117 degrees in Wichita Falls — June 28, 1980
On June 28, 1980, Wichita Falls reached 117°F (47°C) during one of the most intense heat waves in North Texas. The heat event caused widespread power outages, depleted water supplies and destroyed agriculture across the region.
116 degrees in Midland-Odessa — June 27, 1990
On June 27, 1990, Midland-Odessa hit 116°F (47°C) due to an intense high-pressure system that settled over West Texas. The combination of clear skies, intense sun exposure and desert-like conditions intensified the heat, making it one of the most extreme days of that summer.
115 degrees in Del Rio — June 21, 2023
On June 21, 2023, Del Rio reached 115°F (46°C) due to a high-pressure system over South Texas that trapped dry, hot air and limited cloud cover. The city is near the US-Mexico border, exposing it to intense wind from the Mexican desert and extreme heat for much of the year.
114 degrees in San Angelo, El Paso, and Waco — June 20, 2023
On June 20, 2023, San Angelo, El Paso and Waco, Texas, all recorded 114°F (45°C). This heat event was caused by a massive high-pressure system that covered much of the state, blocking cooler air and intensifying temperatures across multiple regions. These regions experienced intense sun exposure, dry air and a dangerous lack of both cloud coverage and cooling wind, creating a blistering environment.
113 degrees in Dallas and Fort Worth — June 26 & 27, 1980
On June 26 and 27, 1980, both Dallas and Fort Worth reached 113°F (45°C). This was the peak of an intense heatwave fueled by a high-pressure system that caused a prolonged period of extreme temperature, which led to diminished water supplies and crop failure.
| Location | Date | Record Temp | Duration of Heat Wave | Associated Weather Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monahans, Texas | August 12, 1936 | 120°F (49°C) | 10 days | Severe drought, intense heat and dust waves |
| Seymour, Texas | June 28, 1994 | 120°F (49°C) | 5 days | Intense heat across North and West Texas |
| Big Bend National Park | June 23, 2023 | 119°F (48°C) | 10 days | Intense heat and dry air |
| Wichita Falls | June 28, 1980 | 117°F (47°C) | 28 days | Extreme temperatures, widespread power outages, depleted water supplies and destroyed agriculture across the region. |
| Midland-Odessa | June 27, 1990 | 116°F (47°C) | 18 days | High temperatures, clear skies, intense sun exposure and desert-like conditions |
| Del Rio | June 21, 2023 | 115°F (46°C) | 14 days | Dry, hot air and limited cloud cover |
| San Angelo, El Paso and Waco | June 20, 2023 | 114°F (45°C) | 10 days | Intense sun exposure, dry air, lack of cloud cover or cooling winds |
| Dallas-Fort Worth | June 26 and 27, 1980 | 113°F (45°C) | 42 days | Extreme temperatures, depleted water supply and failed crops |
Understanding Texas Heat Patterns
Extreme temperatures in Texas are influenced by a combination of meteorological and geographical factors. The state’s vast size means you’ll find multiple climate zones across the state, ranging from desert to subtropical environments.
Geographical features, such as the state’s flat terrain and proximity to the Mexican desert and the Gulf of Mexico, exacerbate extreme heat.
Regional Temperature Variations
The geography of The Lone Star State causes drastic temperature variations across the state and its regions. Below, we break down how influences from coastal proximity, elevation, urbanization and desert climates impact temperatures across Texas:
- Coastal vs. inland temperature differences: Coastal areas tend to have milder, more humid summers compared to the hotter, drier conditions of inland Texas.
- Urban heat island effects: Cities such as Dallas, Austin and Houston experience higher temperatures due to the concrete and asphalt infrastructure trapping heat.
- Elevation impacts on temperature: Higher elevations can experience cooler temperatures but greater temperature fluctuations between day and night.
- Desert climate influence: Due to the arid desert climate, West Texas and the Big Bend region experience extreme temperatures during the day but cool weather at night.
Heat Safety and Prevention
Staying safe in extreme heat is crucial, as heat-related illnesses, such as heat stroke or dehydration, can be dangerous or even fatal. To stay cool, Texans should drink lots of water, avoid prolonged exposure to the sun, take breaks when working outside, wear breathable clothes and hats, and insulate their homes.
In addition to individual measures, the local city and state authorities often provide additional resources, such as cooling centers, to ensure all Texans are safe from the heat. During a heat event, it’s important to stay informed, as emergency services may issue heat advisories, and local authorities may provide resources to at-risk, vulnerable residents.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Hottest Days in Texas
How are record temperatures officially verified in Texas?
When a temperature beats a set record, the National Weather Service (NWS) and other accredited weather stations verify it using special instruments placed in standardized environments to ensure accuracy. These records must meet specific criteria, including proper location standards (such as away from heat sources) and quality control checks, before being confirmed as official by the NWS and published.
Why does Texas experience such extreme heat?
Texas experiences extreme heat due to its landmass, geography, and location near the Tropic of Cancer, which brings intense sunlight and longer, more intense summers. The state’s flat terrain, combined with high-pressure systems that trap hot, dry air from the desert southwest and the humid Gulf of Mexico, creates ideal conditions for severe heat events and record-breaking temperatures, especially in the summer months. This phenomenon is often referred to as a “heat dome.”
How long do Texas heat waves typically last?
Heat waves in Texas typically last several days to over a week, with the most intense waves occurring in June, July and August. In the summer of 2023, many Texas cities experienced prolonged heat waves, with multiple weeks with temperatures over 100°F, according to the Texas Tribune. In central and eastern Texas, heat waves can stretch beyond a week. At the same time, in the western and desert regions, they may be shorter but more extreme due to higher daytime temperatures and rapid overnight cooling.
What role does humidity play in Texas heat?
Humidity in Texas significantly amplifies the perceived temperature, making it feel much hotter than the actual temperature. This is especially prevalent in coastal regions and the eastern part of the state, in cities such as Houston and Corpus Christi. The higher moisture levels trap heat near the surface, raising the heat index and increasing the risk of dehydration and heatstroke.
