Honestly, if you’ve lived in North Texas for more than a week, you know the drill. One day you're wearing shorts and a t-shirt, and twelve hours later you're digging through the garage for that one heavy coat you only use twice a year. The forecast for dallas-fort worth right now is a perfect example of that classic Texas whiplash.
The coldest air of the season just slammed into the Metroplex on Sunday morning, January 18. We’re talking morning lows that dipped into the 20s. It’s that crisp, biting cold that makes you regret every time you complained about the 100-degree August heat. But don't get too attached to the heavy layers.
The Immediate Outlook: Sun, Then a Shift
Today, Sunday, is basically a "thaw out" day. We’re looking at a high of 59°F with nothing but sunshine. It’s a dry heat—well, dry cold—with humidity hovering around 22% to 30%. If you're heading out to the Stockyards or just grabbing brunch in Bishop Arts, it’s actually pretty decent once the sun gets high enough. Just watch the wind. It's coming out of the southwest at about 10-11 mph, which keeps a bit of a bite in the air.
Tonight gets interesting. A cold front is sliding through, which is going to keep our Martin Luther King Jr. Day feeling properly wintery.
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Monday, January 19, isn't going to be a replica of today. We’re dropping back down to a high of 50°F. It’ll be partly sunny, but the wind is going to pull a 180, coming from the northeast at 13 mph. It's going to feel significantly cooler than the number on your phone says.
Why the Mid-Week Humidity Matters
The real story for the forecast for dallas-fort worth hits around Tuesday and Wednesday. Tuesday starts sunny with a high of 52°F, but by Tuesday night, the clouds roll in heavy. We’re looking at a 70% chance of rain overnight.
Wednesday, January 21, is when things get soggy.
The humidity is expected to spike to a whopping 87%.
Expect light rain throughout the day with a high of 56°F.
It’s that kind of gray, misting Texas rain that doesn't really wash your car but definitely ruins your hair.
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Looking Further Out: Is Snow Actually Coming?
There’s always that one rumor on social media about a "Snowmageddon" or an Arctic blast that’s going to shut down I-35 for a week. Kinda ridiculous, right? Looking at the 10-day data, we aren't seeing a repeat of the 2021 grid failure, but it is getting colder.
By next Tuesday, January 27, the high struggles to even reach 37°F. That night, there’s a 20% chance of snow. Now, before you run to Kroger and buy all the milk and bread, it’s currently predicted as light. But in North Texas, "light snow" is usually code for "everyone forgets how to drive."
The Temperature Rollercoaster
- Jan 18 (Today): High 59°F / Low 25°F (Sunny)
- Jan 21 (Wed): High 56°F / Low 45°F (65% Rain chance)
- Jan 24 (Sat): High 44°F / Low 42°F (Chilly & Gray)
- Jan 27 (Next Tue): High 37°F / Low 31°F (Potential Snow mix)
Expert Context: The La Niña Factor
What most people don't realize is that we are technically in a La Niña pattern. Traditionally, that means Texas stays warmer and drier. But 2026 is being a bit stubborn. The National Weather Service and the Climate Prediction Center have noted that while the southern U.S. usually stays mild during these cycles, we are seeing more frequent "periodic cold snaps" this year.
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Basically, the jet stream is wobbling. Instead of a consistent winter, we're getting these pulses of cold air followed by three days of 60-degree weather. It’s exhausting for your sinuses and even worse for your electricity bill.
Actionable Steps for the DFW Week
If you're living through this week's forecast for dallas-fort worth, here is the reality of what you need to do:
- Drip your pipes Tuesday night. With the rain coming in and temperatures hovering near freezing, you don't want to risk those exterior lines, especially with the 70% precipitation chance.
- Plan for a slow Wednesday morning commute. The mix of 87% humidity and light rain is the "sweet spot" for accidents on the Mixmaster and the DNT.
- Check your tires. Cold snaps like the one we saw this morning (25°F) cause tire pressure to drop instantly. If your "low air" light came on today, don't ignore it; the fluctuating temps this week will keep it wonky.
- Fire safety west of I-35. Sunday's southwest winds (up to 20 mph gusts) have increased fire danger for the drier areas toward Weatherford and Mineral Wells. Avoid any outdoor burning or activities that could spark.
The Metroplex weather is never a straight line. It's a jagged, unpredictable mess that requires a closet full of options. Keep the umbrella in the car starting Tuesday, and maybe keep the heavy parka accessible for that dip into the 30s late next week.