Millions in the Central US expected to continue sizzling in late-summer record heat through Friday
Looking ahead to next week, there is no immediate sign of an autumn cooldown across the South.
Summer heat holding on for parts of the Central and Southern Plains
Temperatures near and above 100 degrees have plagued the Central U.S. for the last several days, with little signs of easing up as mid-September creeps up on us. Heat advisories and Extreme Heat Warnings persist through at least Thursday.
THE TAKEAWAY
- Record heat across the Central U.S. will continue through the weekend.
- Heat Alerts remain in effect across parts of the region through Thursday.
- There's 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 is expected to continue through at least Friday, locking in conditions reminiscent of mid-summer for millions of people.
High temperatures through midweek have neared 100 degrees or higher, running 10 to 15 degrees above average for nearly 35 million people across the region.
AUG 08, 2026 - Heatwave: fallen leaves and parched grass (atthew Chattle/Future Publishing / Getty Images)
The ridge of high pressure re-strengthened over the Central Plains on Wednesday, sending temperatures soaring with heat indexes above 100 degrees possible in some places.
Heat Advisories and Extreme Heat Warnings will remain in effect across parts of the region through Thursday, with Oklahoma City, Springfield, Missouri, and Dallas included.
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This prolonged stretch of intense heat and high evaporation rates will also increase 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.
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.
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.
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Looking ahead to next week, there is no immediate sign of an autumn cooldown across the South.
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.