September means the start of meteorological fall, and for many in Texas this summer was the hottest on record. 

What You Need To Know

  • Summer 2023 was the second hottest on record for the Lone Star State, but the hottest for several cities

  • Many experienced record heat, and lack of rainfall led to worsening drought conditions

  • New records for extreme heat and consecutive triple-digit days were also made

According to the Texas State Climatologist, John Nielsen-Gammon, summer 2023 was the second hottest on record for the Lone Star State with an average temperature of 85.3 degrees from June 1 to the end of August, just behind the summer of 2011 with an average temperature of 86.8 degrees. 

But for several Texas cities, this summer will go down as the hottest on record thanks to a stubborn upper-level weather pattern that brought relentless dry and hot conditions. 

Some notable records from this summer include the most 105-degrees or hotter days and consecutive days of triple-digit heat for several cities. 

DFW Metroplex

  • Third hottest summer on record with an average temperature of 88.7 degrees, following 1980 and 2011 as the hottest. 

  • Driest on record with just 1.25 inches of rainfall from June 1 to the end of August. 

  • Number of 100-degree days: 47. This ties for fourth place. 

  • Second most number of 105-degree or hotter days at 23, following 28 of those days in 1980. 

Austin 

  • Second hottest summer with an average temperature of 89.4 degrees, just 0.1 shy of 2011.

  • Second most number of 100-degree days at 69, following 73 days in 2011. 

  • The most number of 105-plus degree days with 40. 

  • Most consecutive 100-degree days at 45, ending on Aug. 21, 2023.

San Antonio

  • The hottest summer on record, with an average temperature of 88.7 degrees. 

  • The most triple-digit days at 64 and the most 105-plus degree days at 17.

  • Most consecutive 100-degree days at 23, ending on Aug. 21, 2023.

  • Third driest with just 2.02 inches of rainfall. 

Del Rio

  • The hottest summer with an average temperature of 91.7 degrees.  

  • Second most number of consecutive triple-digits at 44 days, ending on Aug. 21, 2023. 

El Paso

  • The hottest summer on record with an average temperature of 88.3 degrees. 

  • Tied with the summer of 1994 for the most triple-digit days at 60 and the most 105-plus degree days at 31.

  • Most number of consecutive triple-digits at 44 days, ending on July 29, 2023. 

Laredo

  • Tied with 2011 for second hottest with an average temperature of 91.9 degrees.

  • Second most number of triple-digits at 81, just 9 less than 2011 with 90 days. 

  • Second most number of 105-plus degree days at 59, just 3 days shy of 2011 with 62 days.

  • Second most number of consecutive 100-degree days at 46, ending on Aug. 21, 2023. 

Brownsville

  • Hottest on record with an average temperature of 88.6 degrees. 

  • The most triple-digit days at 30 and the most 105-plus degree days at just one, but only experienced in 2012.

  • Place 1 and 2 for consecutive 100-degree days at 12 (ending on Aug. 10, 2023) and 9 (ending on Aug. 20, 2023).

McAllen

  • Sixth hottest on record with an average temperature of 89.5 degrees.

  • Second most number of 100-degree days at 71, just one day shy of 1998.

  • Fourth place for number of 105+ degree days at 9 (tied with 2017 and 2016).

  • Second place for consecutive 100-degree days at 43, ending on Aug. 20, 2023.

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