Rare Texas Heat Burst Sends Temperatures Soaring to 99 Degrees Overnight

Two North Texas towns experienced a rarity early Sunday morning: a heat burst that sent temperatures soaring to nearly 100 degrees at a time when temperatures are usually in decline.

The heat burst was observed in the Texas towns of Breckenridge and Eastland, according to the National Weather Service. At the Stephens County Airport just outside Breckenridge, temperatures fell to 85 degrees at 12:15 a.m. CDT, but by 1:35 a.m., it was 99 degrees, and the heat burst was to blame.

"A heat burst occurs when precipitation from a dying thunderstorm evaporates and a strong downdraft accelerates toward the ground," said the NWS. "Air warms and dries as it is compressed near the ground."