Dallas is waking up to a stormy Thursday, with showers and thunderstorms likely through the day and a high near 79°F — if you had outdoor plans, now’s the time to reconsider and grab a packable rain jacket on the way out the door.
Today’s Setup
The National Weather Service expects mostly cloudy skies and a 70% chance of showers and thunderstorms through the day, with the greatest storm coverage during the afternoon hours around and north of the Metroplex — think Frisco, McKinney, and Plano picking up the heaviest cells. Temperatures climb to near 79°F before actually falling back to around 75°F by afternoon as the rain moves through. East winds stay light at around 5 mph, so it won’t feel blustery — just persistently soggy. Tonight, storms continue likely through about 1 AM CT before tapering, with patchy fog possible near the I-20 corridor around 4–5 AM. Low around 66°F.
Flash Flood Risk
This is the story of the day. The Weather Prediction Center has flagged a Slight Risk for Excessive Rainfall across North Texas today. Training convection — storms repeatedly passing over the same corridor — could stack up rainfall quickly. NWS Fort Worth forecasters expect a quarter to half an inch during the day, with another half to three-quarters of an inch possible overnight. Urban areas are most vulnerable: watch low-lying streets, underpasses, and drainage channels in Downtown Dallas, Irving, and anywhere near White Rock Lake. If water covers the road, turn around — don’t drown.
Best Window To Be Outside
Skip the outdoor chores today and point toward Friday morning. After Thursday’s storms push into the Ark-La-Tex, Friday opens partly sunny with a high near 84°F and only a 20% storm chance after 1 PM CT. That’s your window to mow, walk the trails at Arbor Hills Nature Preserve, or hit the back nine. A cordless lawn mower is a smart pick for tackling a wet yard without extension cord headaches. Find more outdoor gear deals to prep for the drier stretch.
What To Wear Or Bring
A packable rain jacket is the non-negotiable item today — light enough to stuff in your bag, essential once the afternoon cells fire. Skip the open-toed shoes and leave the suede on the shelf.
Events This Week: Plan Around the Forecast
Tonight: Wicked (Touring) at Music Hall At Fair Park is fully indoors — about as perfect a rainy-night plan as it gets.
Friday, May 22: The Demi Lovato: It’s Not That Deep Tour lands at American Airlines Center. Indoor venue, and Friday’s forecast looks much cleaner. Get tickets on SeatGeek or Find tickets on StubHub before they’re gone, and show up ready with a Demi Lovato hoodie.
Saturday, May 23: The American Rodeo at Globe Life Field has that retractable roof — you’re covered regardless of weather. Pitbull and Lil Jon hit the outdoor Dos Equis Pavilion the same night, so keep an eye on the Saturday forecast as another round of showers is possible. Stay current at the Dallas weather forecast.
Rainy Day Dinner
This is exactly the kind of Thursday a programmable slow cooker earns its spot in the cabinet — load it up with chili or beef stew before you leave and come home to dinner already waiting. An enameled cast iron Dutch oven is equally perfect for a pot of soup on a stormy evening. Need ingredients? You can order groceries on Amazon and have everything for tonight’s dinner delivered to your door.
Next Few Days
Unsettled is the theme. Friday offers a genuine break before more showers and storms return through the weekend and into next week. The National Weather Service notes the severe weather threat remains low for now, but the pattern stays active. Check the Dallas weather forecast each morning for the latest timing and any upgraded risk levels.
