Top Eight Hottest Days in Texas History

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Highest temperatures in Texas

We all feel the heat as summer temperatures soar. Last summer was the second-hottest in Texas history, clocking in just behind the summer of 2011. In June 2023, a heat wave swept across the state and broke records, including one day when temperatures nearly surpassed the all-time high temperature recorded in August 1936.

Learn more about the highest temperature in Texas in 2024, the hottest days in Texas history, and the best methods for saving energy during extreme heat.

Hottest temperature in Texas 2024

The NOAA predicted above-average temperatures in Texas this summer. So far, that prediction has come true. La Puerta, Texas, experienced the hottest recorded May temperature in the state’s history (116 degrees).

Texas has experienced several other extremely hot days this year. On July 9, 2024, temperatures reached over 100 degrees in Southeast Texas. Tropical Storm Beryl caused power outages across the state, leaving millions of Texans without air conditioning as temperatures soared.

Keep reading to learn more about the hottest temperatures ever recorded in Texas and find out how this summer compares.

Hottest temperatures recorded in Texas history

113 degrees in Dallas and Fort Worth — June 26–27, 1980

Temperatures soared to astonishingly high numbers in Dallas and Fort Worth during a record summer on June 26 and 27, 1980. The average Texas high in June clocks in around 92 degrees, so these temperatures likely took Texans by surprise.

114 degrees in San Angelo, El Paso, and Waco — June 20, 2023

The 2023 Texas heat wave led to a new record temperature in San Angelo. On June 19,  the city tied its record high of 110 degrees. The next day, June 20, the city recorded a new daily high temperature reaching 114 degrees. El Paso and Waco also experienced 114-degree days in Texas on June 30, 1994, and July 23, 2018, respectively.

115 degrees in Del Rio — June 21, 2023

In the span of a week, Del Rio’s summer heat wave soared to new extremes, breaking the city’s hottest-day record three times. The week started with a new record of 111 degrees on June 18, 2023, followed by 113 degrees on June 20, 2023. The latest record-breaking temperature in Del Rio reached 115 degrees on June 21, 2023.

116 degrees in Midland-Odessa — June 27, 1990

June 1994 is on our list again, with another scorching hot day on June 27. These extreme temperatures spanned several Texas regions, but Midland–Odessa experienced the highest temperature of 116 degrees. 

116 degrees in La Puerta — May 9, 2024

La Puerta, Texas, located in South Texas, experienced its hottest recorded temperature this May. Temperatures hit 116 degrees, feeling even hotter thanks to extreme humidity. On this day, La Puerta was the hottest place in the country, with the rest of summer 2024 still to come. 

117 degrees in Wichita Falls — June 28, 1980

The summer of 1980 will go down in history as one of the toastiest summers on record in Texas. Wichita Falls reached 117 degrees on June 28, 1980 — but record-high temperatures in the triple digits lasted throughout the weekend.

119 degrees in Big Bend — June 23, 2023

The Rio Grande Village in Big Bend National Park reached a new record high of 119 degrees on June 23, 2023. This record is only one degree away from the hottest temperature ever recorded in Texas.

120 degrees in Monahans and Seymour — August 12, 1936, and June 28, 1994

Two dates tie for the hottest day in Texas history. On August 12, 1936, Seymour clocked in a scorching temperature of 120 degrees. Then, on June 28, 1994, Monahans also reached 120 degrees. The heat wave of 1994 earned the most spots on this list, but the summer of 1936 is the earliest recorded super-hot day in history. 

How to save energy during a heat wave

Texans are no strangers to sweltering summer days and rely on well-functioning air conditioners to stay cool and comfortable. During a heat wave, the natural reaction is to lower the thermostat, which could result in higher energy bills. The closer the temperature inside your house is to outside, the less energy your home will use. Most heating and air systems can cool a house by around 15 to 25 degrees compared to the outside temperature. If temperatures reach 100, your home temperature may only get down to about 75 degrees.

Conserving energy can help lower your electricity bills and reduce your environmental impact. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, most residential energy consumption comes from heating and cooling. But during extreme heat waves, cooling your home is a top priority. There are many other ways to save energy at home without touching the thermostat. 

• Run appliances during the morning or overnight to avoid peak energy hours. 
• Consider investing in energy-efficient appliances. 
• Use the microwave instead of the oven to heat food. 
• Use LED lightbulbs instead of traditional lightbulbs.
• Turn off electronics, like the television, when not in use.

There are several simple ways to save energy in your home, especially during hot summer days. Texas is known for its heat, and residents have learned the importance of securing a solid electricity plan to keep their energy bills from reaching record highs.

SaveOnEnergy is a free online electricity marketplace that can help you search for, compare, and sign up for the best energy plan for you. If you’re unsatisfied with your current Texas energy rate, you can switch energy providers quickly and easily. Call the number on your screen to learn more about energy plans near you.