North Texas is forecast to reach 100 degrees at least through Friday, and the first part of August is typically the hottest time of the year. The average high temperature remains 97 degrees until it drops to 96 on August 15.
The area averages 20 days of 100 degrees or more each year with the average final day of triple digit heat August 27. DFW Airport had ten days 100 or higher in 2024 through Monday.
"Summer's hot, and it's going to be hotter as summer goes on, so we want to make sure people are staying safe and cool," says Reliant Energy's Leanne Schneider.
Schneider urges people to keep blinds and shades closed to prevent direct sunlight from pouring into your home.
"If it's during the daytime, you can feel the difference when you're in the sun or shade," she says.
She also urges people to avoid running appliances like the dishwasher or dryer during the afternoon.
Schneider urges people, if your house will be empty more than four hours, to turn up your thermostat four degrees.
"You really don't need to cool your house when you're not in there," she says. "When you get back and turn it back down, it will actually cool off in enough time."
She also says ceiling fans can create a breeze to make the house feel cooler, so you can save money by turning the temperature up a couple degrees.
Texas has options for assistance for people who cannot afford utility bills. You can learn more by calling 211 or visiting 211texas.org.
Reliant is working with the Salvation Army and other non-profits to provide cooling centers in North Texas, Austin, Houston and Lubbock. A complete list of locations is available HERE. Schneider says Reliant's CARE Program can provide help to people who meet income guidelines, saying Reliant has provided $18 million in assistance since 2002.
"We donate money to partners like the Salvation Army who then help our customers pay their bill," she says.
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