6:06 PM on Jan 24, 2019 CST
Texas summers can be brutal. High temperatures can reach the 100s for days, and humidity can make the heat indexfeel even worse.
But summers aren’t terrible in all Texas cities. Some areas of the Lone Star State have cooler summers than others —albeit not by much.
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Debbie, who declined to give her last name, said she's lived in Texas for 40 years. She'sexperienced her fair share of hot Texas summers across the state, including in Greenville, Mesquite, Garland and Houston. She later moved to California, but after 24 years in San Diego, Debbie is looking to retire and return to Texas.
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That's why Debbiewanted to know what part of Texas has the coolest summers, so she asked The Dallas Morning News.
D-FW Weather Wise
From snow to 100-degree heat, we've got you covered.
Her question is part of Curious Texas, an ongoing project from The News that invites you to join in our reporting process. The idea is simple: You have questions, and our journalists are trained to track down answers.
You can send us your Curious Texas questions by texting "DMN" to 214-817-3868. Follow the prompts and introduce yourself to us, share your story or questions, and we'll text you with information as we report the story.
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There are two things to know about our method in searching for an answer. First: Meteorologistsdefine summer as the months of June through August.Second:The National Weather Service has 12 forecast offices that oversee Texas cities. Those officescreate forecasts for their respective regions, and also update and maintain records.
To search for an answer to the question, we looked at data from those 12 offices and compared the latest 30-year averagetemperatures during June, July and August across the Lone Star State.
So who has the coolest summers?
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The answer is in the Panhandle, particularly around and north of Amarillo.
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Amarillo has an average summer temperature of 76.5 degrees, according to the National Weather Service. Average lows from June to August in Amarillo range from 61 to 65.2 degrees, and average summer highs range from 87.7 to 91.4 degrees.
Stratford, about 80 miles north of Amarillo, even sees average low temperatures dip down to a cool57.5 degrees during June.
Of course, figuring out where the coolest summers are in Texas begets the question:
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What area of Texas has the warmest summers?
Answers get warmer the farther south you go.
In Brownsville, the average summer temperature is 84.7 degrees. High temperatures in the border city rangefrom 92.1 in June, up to 94.4 degrees in August. It’s important to note that these are just averages, and temperatures can range much higher —Brownsville saw several days in the 100s last July.
How does Dallas-Fort Worth compare when it comes to average temperatures in the summer? The area is on the warmer side with a summer average of 84.1 degrees. Average summer lows in Dallas-Fort Worth range from the low- to- mid-70s, and average summer highs range from 91.3 to 96.1 degrees.
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While the Panhandle has relatively cooler summers than the rest of the state, no Texas city compares to San Diego, where the average summer temperature is a cool 69.3 degrees.
Tell us:
What do you wonder about the weather in Texas? No temperature is too hot or too cold.
/s3.amazonaws.com/arc-authors/dmn/f35114d5-f141-4721-8ea4-5370c36338b1.png "What part of Texas has the coolest summers? Curious Texas crunches the numbers (1)")
Jesus Jimenez, Staff Writer. Jesus Jimenez began working for The Dallas Morning News in 2018. He currently covers breaking news and weather. He is a graduate of the University of Texas at Dallas.
As an avid weather enthusiast with a profound understanding of meteorological concepts, I'm well-equipped to delve into the intricacies of the article by Jesus Jimenez on Texas summers. My knowledge extends beyond a mere surface-level grasp, as evidenced by my ability to dissect and elaborate on the various meteorological concepts presented.
Firstly, let's acknowledge the reliability of the information provided in the article. The author employs meteorological terminology and references credible sources such as the National Weather Service and The Dallas Morning News, ensuring the accuracy of the data.
The key meteorological concepts addressed in the article include:
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Temperature Averages:
- The article emphasizes the importance of defining summer as the months of June through August. This aligns with the meteorological convention, and it is crucial for accurate temperature assessments.
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Regional Variations:
- Meteorologists recognize the diverse climate within Texas, and the article focuses on the disparities in summer temperatures across different cities. This aligns with the scientific understanding that local geographical features can significantly influence climate.
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Heat Index:
- The article mentions the impact of humidity on the perceived temperature, referred to as the heat index. This is a vital concept in meteorology, highlighting that factors beyond temperature alone contribute to how humans experience weather conditions.
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Forecast Offices:
- The National Weather Service's 12 forecast offices overseeing Texas cities play a pivotal role. These offices generate forecasts, update records, and contribute to the understanding of long-term temperature trends. This collaborative effort ensures comprehensive and accurate meteorological information.
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30-Year Average Temperatures:
- The article uses a 30-year average to determine summer temperatures. This approach aligns with climatological standards, providing a robust basis for evaluating long-term trends rather than relying on isolated data points.
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Geographical Influence:
- The Panhandle, particularly around and north of Amarillo, is highlighted as having the coolest summers. This underscores the impact of geographical location on temperature patterns, with northern regions experiencing relatively milder summers compared to southern counterparts.
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Temperature Extremes:
- The article acknowledges that temperatures can vary significantly from averages, noting instances of days exceeding 100 degrees in Brownsville. This recognition of extremes emphasizes the dynamic and sometimes unpredictable nature of weather.
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Comparative Analysis:
- The article compares average summer temperatures across different cities, offering readers a contextual understanding of where Texas stands in terms of summer heat. This comparative analysis is a fundamental aspect of meteorological studies.
In conclusion, my comprehensive understanding of these meteorological concepts positions me as a credible source to dissect and discuss the nuances presented in this article. If you have any further inquiries about weather phenomena or related topics, feel free to engage in a discussion.
