Storms with nickel-sized hail pounded some areas of North Texas, but heat wave still on

North Texans got some severe thunderstorm warnings Thursday as isolated storms dropped rain and nickel-sized hail in some neighborhoods.

But summer again took over after the storms moved on as triple digit temperatures swept into North Texas.

Several severe thunderstorm warnings were issued in the Dallas-Fort Worth area Thursday afternoon in areas that included Fort Worth, Cleburne, Hudson Oaks, Granbury and Glen Rose, according to the National Weather Service in Fort Worth. Storms packed 60 mph winds and that nickel-sized hail.

The warnings also included parts of Dallas, Ellis, Johnson, Parker and Hood counties.

Yes, North Texas, those were the showers and thunderstorms which were expected Thursday afternoon that briefly disturbed the triple-digit temperatures that have haunted the area in the past few days.

There was just a slight chance of rain for much of the region, and most of it was going east to southeast of the Dallas-Fort Worth area, though some storms made it to Dallas and Tarrant counties.

And, oh, the burning temperatures will still be around, with a heat advisory is still in effect until 9 p.m. Thursday.

Forecasters say it would be sunny on Thursday with a heat index near 109. The high temperature should be near 103.

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality also has issued an ozone action day for the Dallas-Fort Worth area for Thursday.

“There are no rain chances in the next few days,” said meteorologist David Bonnette at the National Weather Service in Fort Worth on Thursday.

In Thursday’s storms, the greatest risks were severe downburst wind gusts and frequent lightning.

The hot and humid conditions will again increase the risk for heat-related illnesses to occur, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities..

NWS officials in Fort Worth provide these safety tips:

▪ Drink plenty of fluids.

▪ Stay in an air-conditioned room.

▪ Stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors.

▪ Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances.

▪ Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside.

▪ When possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening.

▪ Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing when possible.

▪ To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned environments.

▪ Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 9 1 1.

Atmospheric conditions are expected to be favorable for producing high levels of ozone air pollution in the Dallas-Fort Worth area on Thursday, according to the TCEQ.

And it’s not going to get any better.

Heat will continue through the middle of next week with heat indices approaching 108 degrees. Above-normal grass fire activity will continue through next week given the continued hot and dry conditions, according to the NWS in Fort Worth.