08.16.2024

Today’s Forecast

103º | 20% chance of precipitation
Sunrise 6:54 a.m. | Sunset 8:12 p.m.
Full Weather Report | Traffic Report

Feeling hot, hot, hot

Remembering Fort Worth’s hottest days on record

Owner Maxine Harkridge had to close Rusty’s Hot Dogs while waiting for the air conditioning repair person on Cowtown’s hottest day on record. | Photo courtesy of UTA Libraries/Fort Worth Star-Telegram Collection

There’s no getting around it: It’s hot, Funkytown.

With no end to the 100+ degree days in sight, we’re staying inside and looking back at some of the headlines on the hottest days we’ve had here in Fort Worth.

The day the heat set records

Fort Worth’s hottest days on record took place on June 26 + June 27, 1980, when temperatures hit a record-breaking 113°.

That sure puts this weather in perspective, huh? The closest we’ve come to that temperature in the past few weeks was when temps got to 103° at DFW Airport on August 8.

FTW-heat-wave-1980-belly-flop — That’s truly excellent belly flop form from a student participating in the UTA Non-Invitational Belly Flop Competition on June 26, 1980.
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Photo courtesy of the UTA Libraries/Fort Worth Star-Telegram Collection

What the headlines said

So, what else was going on in Cowtown on the hottest day on record? Looking back, newspapers reported that despite the heat, the Texas Rangers beat the Minnesota Twins (5-0). Additionally, Braniff Airways out of DFW Airport announced it would match any Delta, American, or Texas International airline fare + touted one-way flights to Denver for $58.

The papers also covered the intense weather we were having at the time, saying “It’s hot hot hot any way you look at it.” But don’t worry, people cooled off with a belly flop competition at UTA.

FTW-heat-wave-sprinkler-1980 — Take a page out of 13-year-old Brant Pate’s book and run through the sprinkler.
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Photo courtesy of UTA Libraries/Fort Worth Star-Telegram Collection

How to weather the weather today

Ok, so we’re not breaking records (yet), but that doesn’t mean braving this weather is easy. Thankfully, we have 18 museums of explore indoors + 12 pools, splash pads, and waterparks to keep you cool.

Don’t forget to check in on Tarrant County’s cooling centers and take a peek at what the rest of August has in store for us. Who knows, maybe this will be a record-breaking year after all.

Asked

When was Fort Worth’s coldest day?

The coldest recorded temperature in Fort Worth was -8 degrees. What if it were that cold right now? Like it was on...

A. December 3, 1989
B. January 31, 1949
C. February 16, 2021
D. February 12, 1899

Dreaming about winter

Events

Friday, Aug. 16

“Coup!” | Friday, Aug. 16-Sunday, Aug. 18 | Times vary | The Modern | $3.50-$10 | Settle in for a screening of the 2023 film about a wily cook who takes over a mansion.
Spark Workshop | Friday, Aug. 16 | 5-9 p.m. | SiNaCa Studios | $55 | Learn how to make colorful glass beads in this flame working class for students ages 8+.
Texas Rangers | Friday, Aug. 16 | 7:05 p.m. | Globe Life Field | $12-$101 | The Rangers take on the Minnesota Twins again — but this time it’s in the air conditioning.

Saturday, Aug. 17

Zach Bryan | Saturday, Aug. 17 | 7 p.m. | AT&T Stadium | $300-$476 | The country artist will take the big stage for a night of “Pink Skies” and “Headin’ South.”
Kings of Leon | Saturday, Aug. 17 | 7:45 p.m. | Dickies Arena | $59-$440 | See this Grammy Award-winning rock band known for songs like “Use Somebody” with opening support from Phantogram.

Sunday, Aug. 18

Pilates with Prosecco | Sunday, Aug. 18 | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Rusty Nickel IceHouse | $20 | Blend fitness and fun with a workout followed by mimosas.
TCU Women’s Volleyball | Sunday, Aug. 18 | 6-8 p.m. | Schollmaier Arena | Free | Whether you’re rooting for Team Purple or Team White, you’ll be cheering for the Horned Frogs.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Opening

City leaders are set to cut the ribbon of the new City Hall’s Customer Center on Monday, Aug. 19. at 3 p.m. The Customer Center will be an all-in-one service where residents can pay bills, file permit applications, and receive assistance.

Coming Soon

Chef Tim Love is planning his 10th local cafe and bar. Love recently purchased the former George’s Cash & Carry, a Greek American convenience store next to Hotel Otto, and plans to reopen it as a bar this fall. (Fort Worth Star-Telegram)

Plan Ahead

Mark your calendar for the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History’s annual fundraiser on Saturday, Sept. 28. Grab tickets, don your lab coat, safety goggles, and mask + party the night away at the Mad Scientist Ball.

Drink

A new coffee shop that serves tater tots in a former car wash? Yep, you read that right. Townes Drive Thru opened last month on Bryant Irvin Road. Plus, check out 35+ other coffee shops around town for your morning caffeine boost.

Sports

German Olympic basketball player Satou Sabally will make her season debut with the Dallas Wings after recovering from a shoulder injury. The 6-ft, 4-inch-tall forward was a 2023 All-Star + averaged 18.8 points in Paris. Grab tickets to tonight’s game against the Connecticut Sun. (WFAA)

Health

Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine (TCOM) at the UNT Heath Science Center was given Tier 1 status in recent rankings by U.S. News & World Report, commending it as one of the best medical schools for primary care. TCOM was listed among 14 other schools and is the most affordable for in-state students.

Outdoors

Palo Duro Canyon State Park in the Texas Panhandle and Garner State Park in the Hill Country are two of the top 10 best state parks in the US, according to the 2024 HomeToGo State Park Index. The “Grand Canyon of Texas” came in at No. 2, while the Frio River park ranked No. 9.

Listen

Cornerback Trevon Diggs wasn’t playing games in his return to the field on Wednesday after recovering from an ACL tear. See how training is shaping up for the Dallas Cowboys with Locked On’s daily podcasts.

Biz

What do 12,000+ local professionals, aspiring business leaders, and entrepreneurs have in common? They subscribe to 817 Biz, Tarrant County’s premier business newsletter that features no-snooze, bite-size business news. Sign up for free — and see it in your inbox on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings.*

Home

It’s time for your home’s annual checkup. Let the professionals at ClearWater Plumbers take care of your home’s yearly preventative care (think: water heater flush + water filtration filter change) before cooler weather sets in. Make an appointment.*

Festival

Taking place right in the heart of Grapevine, TX, GrapeFest allows attendees to sample some of the region’s best wine, partake in interactive experiences (grape stomp, anyone?), and so much more. General admission tickets and weekend passes are now on sale — grab yours before they sell out. Sip, sip, hooray.*

Finance

Did you know some credit cards can actually help you get out of debt faster? (It sounds wild, but it’s true.) The secret: Find a credit card with a “0% intro APR” period for balance transfers. These are hands down some of the best.*

Wellness

Curious about CBD gummies? Cornbread Hemp is giving first time customers a second jar for free with code SUMMERTIMEBOGO. Choose from watermelon, berry, peach, or special sleep varieties.*

Drink

Bienvenue à Clearfork

French-style cafe among new openings in Clearfork

Photo of a storefront with large black-framed windows, dark blue paint, and a gold sign that says "Marché Bleu."

Grab an espresso from the coffee bar and camp out behind the large windows to get some work done or people watch. | Photo by FTWtoday

On the heels of the Paris 2024 Olympics, a new European-style market and cafe has opened in the Shops at Clearfork to let Fort Worthians live out their Parisian dreams.

Le Marché Bleu — French for “the blue market” — is located next to Joy Macarons and outfit in dusty blue paint, white tile, and natural wood accents. Take a peek inside.

Hungry? Snack on a quick (but delicious) alternative to the area’s upscale dining establishments with grab-and-go gourmet salads and sandwiches. Thirsty? Sidle up to the coffee bar for a fresh matcha or champagne on tap or peruse the high-end selection of wine and beer.

After you’ve satisfied your appetite, make sure to stop by the other newly opened businesses:

Shop clothing, shoes, and accessories at BOSS.
Create a customized fragrance for your home or business at Aroma360.
Have your vehicle hand-washed and detailed at Sagelane Autospa & Carwash while you shop.

The Buy

The Buy 8.16.24 (Affiliate)

These waterproof Chelsea rain boots. Prepare for rainy months ahead with these stylish rubber boots — available in three different colors — that will keep your feet safe and dry from any inclement weather.

More worth The Buy

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Kate

From the editor

39%. That’s how many readers correctly guessed that aviation aerialist Pappy Spinks started flying at 15 years old. Fun fact: He built his own plane and taught himself to fly.

Funner fact: City Council approved the new master plan for Fort Worth Spinks Airport earlier this week.

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