Texas Storms Ground Flights as Northeast Heatwave Finally Breaks

A powerful storm system sweeping through Texas has triggered widespread flight disruptions, with Dallas Fort Worth International Airport bearing the brunt. Nearly 150 flights were canceled or delayed there on Wednesday alone, following roughly 700 delays on Tuesday, according to FlightAware. The FAA issued ground stops at both Dallas Fort Worth and Love Field as thunderstorms rolled in.

The National Weather Service warns that North Texas could see at least an inch of rain through Friday, with the highest flood risk on Thursday. A severe thunderstorm watch covers central Texas, where some areas may get up to five inches. Flash flood warnings and school closures have been reported across the state.

Meanwhile, the Northeast is finally getting relief from a punishing heatwave. Wednesday marks the last day of scorching temperatures, with severe storms expected to drop readings from the mid-90s into the mid-60s. New York City’s Central Park hit about 92°F on Tuesday.

AccuWeather senior meteorologist Brett Anderson described the pattern as a “temperature roller-coaster” that will continue through the holiday weekend. He noted that these wild swings—from record heat to hard freezes and back again—have damaged crops and plants across the region.

The unstable weather has also created rainfall deficits in the mid-Atlantic and Southeast. Rivers like the Potomac and Shenandoah are at record-low flows, prompting Baltimore officials to ask residents to voluntarily conserve water.