State Fair of Texas Will Open in High Heat
The annual fair returns to Dallas on Friday with temperatures significantly above the seasonal norm.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Forecasts
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The State Fair of Texas will open on Friday, September 25, 2026, under hot conditions with a forecast high of 96 degrees. This peak temperature sits well above the normal range of 85 to 87 degrees for this time of year.
Why it matters
Fairgoers should prepare for sweltering heat during the opening day, as recent trends in the Dallas area have kept temperatures in the mid- to high-90s. Relief is expected to arrive only after the weekend.
Friday's high is forecast at 96 degrees with a low of 72 degrees, significantly warmer than the 89 degrees recorded on the opening day last year. Temperatures are expected to peak between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. before cooling to the high-80s by 8 p.m.
The players
State Fair of Texas
This annual event is a major cultural and agricultural exhibition held in Dallas that attracts numerous visitors each year.
The details
Visitors at the State Fair of Texas should plan for extreme heat throughout the afternoon, as the region remains in a period of high temperatures. Conditions are expected to shift significantly next week when the season's first cold front brings widespread precipitation and cooler highs of 82 degrees.
Timeline
The State Fair of Texas begins on September 25, 2026.
The first cold front of the season arrives in North Texas next week.
Widespread precipitation is expected from Sunday through Wednesday.
Seasonal Patterns
The anticipated high of 96 degrees marks a significant departure from the 89-degree high experienced during the 2025 State Fair of Texas. This heat is consistent with current regional patterns that have seen sustained mid- to high-90s temperatures across Dallas-Fort Worth.
Attendees should hydrate frequently and seek shade between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. when the heat is at its most intense. Those planning to visit the fair after the weekend should monitor local alerts, as widespread precipitation is expected to impact the region from Sunday through Wednesday.
The takeaway
While opening day brings intense heat, the arrival of a cold front next week will eventually provide a reprieve from the current high temperatures. Visitors should remain mindful of the upcoming shift in weather as the week progresses.
Further reading
For ongoing updates regarding the regional climate, check the Forecasts section.
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Do you expect extreme heat to continue impacting major outdoor community events in your area?
