Summer refuses to quit as record heat scorches millions across Central and Southern US
This follows the warmest summer on record across the Lower 48, according to NOAA.
Summer refuses to quit as record heat scorches millions in the Central US
The extreme heat that's been plaguing the Central U.S. from Dallas to St. Louis continues through the weekend, locking in conditions reminiscent of mid-summer for millions of people. This follows the warmest summer on record across the Lower 48.
THE TAKEAWAY
- Record heat across the Central U.S. will continue through the weekend.
- Millions of people will see above average temperatures through Sunday.
- There is no immediate sign of a cooldown in the next week.
The extreme heat that's been plaguing the Central U.S. from Dallas to St. Louis has continued through the weekend, locking in conditions reminiscent of mid-summer for millions of people.
This follows the warmest summer on record across the Lower 48, according to NOAA.
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Temperatures through Sunday are forecast to be above average for more than 200 million people.
AUG 08, 2026 - Heatwave: fallen leaves and parched grass
(atthew Chattle/Future Publishing / Getty Images)
The most extreme heat will concentrate across the Southern Plains and other parts of the South through the weekend as a ridge of high pressure reintensifies.
Temperatures across much of Texas will remain close to triple digits through Sunday.
(FOX Weather)
This prolonged stretch of intense heat and high evaporation rates also increases the risk of rapid-onset drought across the Southern Plains and Lower Mississippi Valley, the FOX Forecast Center said.
This late-season heat surge continues a historic trend across the Southern Plains, where several major metropolitan areas are currently experiencing their warmest year on record.
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Oklahoma City, Dallas and Houston have all seen their hottest year on record this year, with this latest heat wave adding to the record books.
(FOX Weather)
September in general has been warmer than average across the Plains, with more than two dozen locations reporting their warmest September on record.
On Tuesday, both Wichita, Kansas and Oklahoma City set new daily record highs of 104 and 103, respectively. OKC marked its latest 100-degree day in 15 years on Wednesday.
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Looking ahead, there is no immediate sign of an autumn cooldown across the South.
(FOX Weather)
The Climate Prediction Center’s 6 to 10-day temperature outlook indicates these same areas will likely remain well above average.
With the stubborn ridge of high pressure anchored over the Central U.S., drier-than-average conditions will also persist, further increasing drought concerns across the region, the FOX Forecast Center said.