The High Plains just finished a scorching week of high temperatures, with the heat setting records in many places. We’re seeing a bit of relief now, but don’t get used to it.
The National Weather Service isn’t ruling out more 100-degree days later in the summer on the south plains, and things will only worsen as global warming continues to take its toll.
This May was the hottest on record on the High Plains, and that heat has continued into June and now July. Meanwhile, last year was the second hottest everon the High Plains, behind only 2012.
Last year also set records for climate events, with massive wildfires across the High Plains and California, combined with the devastation of hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria, as well as tornado outbreaks in the Midwest and the South. All told, climate events racked up a record $306 billion in damages last year. This year, much of the High Plains has also seen record drought levels.
The Dallas Morning News reports that climate change is expected to bring longer droughts and 120-degree days to North Texas over the next 25 years.