The eastern periphery of a strong upper level high parked over the desert southwest will influence the weather across much of the state for the next several days. Highs across western Texas this afternoon will climb well into the 100s this afternoon and again on Saturday when we could see a few record highs tied or exceeded. Further east across north and central Texas which will be under the influence of better moisture and higher humidity we won’t see highs climb quite that high, but we’ll still be dealing with very high head index values which will still make it uncomfortably warm and sticky.  Heat Advisories are in place through Saturday evening for the Dallas/Ft. Worth Metroplex and across much of the Texas Panhandle and western Texas. Heat index values across the DFW metro area are expected to reach 105 this afternoon and again on Saturday afternoon due to a combination of higher humidity and temperatures reaching the mid to upper 90s this afternoon.  The panhandle and western Texas will not be as humid, but can expect temps ranging from 100 to 108 across the area.  Needless to say, it will be very uncomfortable to be outdoors this afternoon.  Stay indoors and/or out of the direct sun as much as possible.  If you do have to be outdoors for work or recreation, be sure to drink plenty of water, wear loose and light colored clothing and take frequent breaks out of the direct sun.

Rain chances will be next to nil for the next several days.  The short-range convection allowing forecast models are showing a small chance of a storm or two today across the southern permian basin region, but other than that…nothing. If a storm does get going, it will carry the threat of downburst winds and some hail. In looking ahead, our rain chances overall look sparse until we get into next week.  A cold front will attempt to drop down into the state on Sunday, but at this time it looks like it won’t make it much further than the panhandle and maybe into north Texas before washing out.  I think it’s safe to say that our typical summertime pattern of hot and dry conditions has arrived and will be sticking around for awhile.