Oklahoma, Texas and New Mexico Face Moderate Risk of Extreme Heat May 13 to 14 With Temperatures Near 100 Degrees and Heat Index of 100 to 105 as Wildfire Risk Rises
OKLAHOMA, TEXAS AND NEW MEXICO — The Climate Prediction Center has issued an extreme heat and high wind risk outlook valid May 13 through 19, 2026, placing a Moderate Risk of Extreme Heat across Oklahoma, Texas and New Mexico on May 13 to 14 with temperatures expected to reach the upper 90s to around 100 degrees F and heat index values climbing to 100 to 105 degrees F across the Central and Southern High Plains. Dry gusty surface winds accompanying the heat will elevate wildfire risk during the first few days of the period.
Risk Zone Breakdown May 13 Through 19
| Hazard | Risk Level | Dates | Zone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Extreme Heat | Moderate Risk 40 to 60 percent | May 13 to 14 | Oklahoma, west Texas, eastern New Mexico |
| Extreme Heat | Slight Risk 20 to 40 percent | May 13 to 14 | Broader surrounding Plains and Texas corridor |
| Extreme Heat | Slight Risk 20 to 40 percent | May 13 to 15 | Texas Gulf Coast |
| High Winds | Slight Risk 20 to 40 percent | May 13 to 14 | Central and Southern High Plains |
Heat Index Values Reaching 100 to 105 Degrees
Temperatures across the Moderate Risk core zone covering Oklahoma and the Texas Panhandle through west Texas and eastern New Mexico are forecast to climb to the upper 90s to around 100 degrees F, with heat index values of 100 to 105 degrees F making conditions feel significantly more dangerous than air temperature alone suggests.
The Slight Risk zone surrounding the core extends the extreme heat concern across a broader area including central and south Texas, the Texas Gulf Coast and the surrounding Southern Plains.
Dry Gusty Winds Add Critical Wildfire Danger
Accompanying the extreme heat, dry and gusty surface winds across the Central and Southern High Plains will elevate wildfire risk significantly during May 13 and 14. The combination of near 100 degree heat, low humidity and gusty winds creates critical fire weather conditions across the risk zone.
Residents across Oklahoma, Texas and New Mexico should begin preparing for dangerous heat conditions heading into next week and take wildfire precautions seriously during the May 13 to 14 window.
Stay with CabarrusWeekly.com for continuing extreme heat and wildfire risk updates across Oklahoma, Texas and New Mexico through mid-May.
