Right now, if you step outside in Dallas, it’s 39°F. Honestly, it feels more like 35°F because there’s a northwest wind clipping along at 6 mph. The sky is perfectly clear tonight, but don't let that fool you. If you’ve lived here long enough, you know that the answer to what is the weather in dallas texas changes faster than the traffic on 75.
Today, January 17, 2026, we saw a high of 43°F. It was a bit of a gray, cloudy afternoon, but the clouds have officially checked out for the night. We're looking at a low of 26°F before the sun comes up tomorrow. That’s a pretty standard January swing for us.
The Wild Rollercoaster of Dallas Seasons
You’ve probably heard the joke that Texas has twelve seasons, including "False Spring" and "The Surface of the Sun." It’s kinda true. In Dallas, the climate is officially "humid subtropical," but basically, that translates to "expect the unexpected."
Take this month, for example. We started 2026 with unseasonably warm days reaching the mid-70s. Then, just a week later on January 15, we bottomed out at 33.4°F. That’s a 40-degree swing in a heartbeat. People think Texas is always hot, but Dallas is far enough north that we get those sharp "Blue Northers"—cold fronts that drop the temperature 20 degrees in an hour.
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Summer: The Great Indoor Migration
From June through September, the heat is the only story. August is usually the brutal one. You’re looking at average highs of 96°F, but honestly, it hits triple digits way more often than the averages suggest. By 2050, researchers at Dallas Climate Action expect we might have 30 to 60 more days over 100°F every year.
It’s not just the heat; it’s the stagnant air. The humidity sits around 60%, making the air feel thick. Most locals basically live in their AC from noon to 7:00 PM.
The Sweet Spots: Spring and Fall
If you’re asking what is the weather in dallas texas because you’re planning a visit, aim for the shoulder seasons. March to May and September to November are stunning.
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- Spring: Everything blooms (looking at you, Dallas Arboretum), and highs sit in the 70s. But watch out—this is also peak thunderstorm season.
- Fall: October is arguably the best month. The sky is clear 71% of the time, and the air finally loses that summer bite. Plus, the State Fair of Texas is in full swing.
Understanding the Risks: Tornadoes and Flash Floods
We can't talk about North Texas weather without mentioning the scary stuff. Dallas is on the edge of Tornado Alley. Most of our rain comes in the form of intense, brief thunderstorms.
According to FEMA, Dallas County is actually a high-risk area for flooding. It sounds weird for a place that struggles with drought, but when it rains here, it pours. In a typical year, nearly half of our rain falls during major downpours. These "gully washers" can turn a dry creek into a river in minutes.
Winter Surprises: Will it Snow?
Snow in Dallas is rare, but it’s a big deal when it happens. Usually, we get "wintry mix" or sleet. Because the ground is often still warm, it turns into a sheet of ice rather than fluffy snow.
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This January has been mostly dry. We’ve only seen about 0.21 inches of precipitation so far. But looking back at history, like the 2021 freeze, we know that when the arctic air dives south, the whole city can grind to a halt. For now, the 2026 winter is staying mild, with a few chilly nights like tonight’s 26°F low keeping us on our toes.
Living with the Dallas Sky
So, what’s the move if you’re heading out today?
Layers are your best friend. With a 39°F current temp and a northwest breeze, you need a solid coat. But keep an eye on the 10-day forecast. By Wednesday, we could be back in the mid-60s. That’s just Dallas.
Next Steps for Staying Weather-Ready:
- Check the Dew Point: If you’re worried about frizz or comfort, look at the dew point rather than just humidity. Anything under 55°F feels dry and crisp.
- Download a Radar App: Don't just trust the "chance of rain" percentage. In Texas, a 20% chance means one neighborhood gets a flood and the other stays bone dry. Look at the live radar.
- Winterize Your Pipes: Even if it’s only 26°F tonight, keep those outdoor faucets covered. It’s a cheap way to avoid a massive plumbing headache later.