Heat Resources and Information

As record-breaking temperatures continue to cause issues around North Texas, we've collected some resources and links to utility information and other essential information.

Latest Weather Information

Check our Weather page here for the latest forecast, heat warnings, and other information from our NBC 5 meteorologists.

Power

The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) has asked for power conservation from the public to help with high demand on the power grid. Latest information from ERCOT can be found here: ERCOT.com

Consumers can help by shutting off unnecessary lights and electrical appliances between 3 and 7 p.m., and delaying laundry and other activities requiring electricity-consuming appliances until later in the evening. Other conservation tips from the Public Utility Commission’s “Powerful Advice” include:

Turn off all unnecessary lights, appliances, and electronic equipment.
When at home, close blinds and drapes that get direct sun, set air conditioning thermostats to 78 degrees or higher, and use fans in occupied rooms to feel cooler.
When away from home, set air conditioning thermostats to 85 degrees and turn all fans off before you leave. Block the sun by closing blinds or drapes on windows that will get direct sun.
Do not use your dishwasher, laundry equipment, hair dryers, coffee makers, or other home appliances during the peak hours of 3 to 7 p.m.
Avoid opening refrigerators or freezers more than necessary.
Use microwaves for cooking instead of an electric range or oven.
Set your pool pump to run in the early morning or evening instead of the afternoon.

Businesses should minimize the use of electric lighting and electricity-consuming equipment as much as possible. Large consumers of electricity should consider shutting down or reducing non-essential production processes.

Weather Connection

Connecting you with your forecast and all the things that make North Texas weather unique.

forecast Apr 13

NBC 5 Forecast: Wet Saturday, then drying out for Sunday

Inside the Storm May 27, 2021

NBC 5 Takes You ‘Inside the Storm' With Ongoing Short Story Series

Oncor, the power delivery company for most of North Texas, also offers an online outages tool to help track issues in the DFW area. Click here to access this tool.

Water

Many North Texas cities have outdoor watering restrictions. Dallas and Fort Worth residents should only water before 10 a.m. or after 6 p.m. Check your local city government's website for watering restrictions in your area.

Multiple cities in the North Texas Municipal Water District (NTMWD), including Richardson, Allen, Forney, Frisco, Garland, Plano, Mesquite and dozens of other cities in Dallas, Collin, Rockwall, Hunt, Kaufman, Rains and Hopkins counties. See a complete list here -- as those cities are under Stage 2 restrictions.

Denise Hickey with NTWMD shows how to properly water your lawn in this video.

Safety

Dallas County health officials have donated and installed more than 400 window air-conditioning units for people in need, and the county's hotline receives about 300 calls a day asking for air-conditioners or assistance with electric bills.

People should only call 214-819-6001 if they are in dire need and their homes do not have working A/C units. Officials said they've been bombarded with calls from people wanting a second or third A/C unit, instead of hearing from people in crisis.

Cooling Centers Open Across North Texas

Dallas County is activating its "Beat the Heat Centers," offering cold water, snacks and most importantly air conditioning. The facilities are sponsored by Reliant Energy and are open through Sept. 30.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center
2922 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd.
214-670-8367
Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Saturday 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.

West Dallas Multipurpose Center
2828 Fish Trap Rd.
214-670-6340
Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

The Salvation Army has also opened 15 cooling stations across the Metroplex to help people beat the heat. Each location offers a cool place to stay during the day and ice cold water to keep people hydrated.

These locations are open seven days a week:

Carr P. Collins Social Services Center
(Parkland Hospital Area)
5302 Harry Hines Blvd.
Dallas, TX 75235
(214) 424-7000

Mabee Social Services Center
(Fort Worth)
1855 E. Lancaster Ave.
Fort Worth, TX 76103
(817) 344-1811

All of the following location are open from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Monday through Friday:

Dallas Temple
(Love Field Area)
6500 Harry Hines Blvd.
Dallas, TX 75235
(214) 956-6025

Oak Cliff
1617 W. Jefferson
Dallas, TX 75208
(214) 941-5911 or 5914

Cedar Crest
(East Oak Cliff)
1007 Hutchins Road
Dallas, TX 75203
(214) 941-7404

Pleasant Grove
8341 Elam Road
Dallas, Texas 75217
214-398-6619

Denton
1508 East McKinney St.
Denton, TX 76201
(940) 566-3800

Garland
451 W. Ave D
Garland, TX 75040
(972) 272-4531

Irving
250 East Grauwyler Road
Irving, TX 75061
(972) 438-6553

Lewisville
207 Elm Street
Lewisville, TX 75067
(972) 353-9400