Marine Weather and Tide Forecast for Rockdale, TX

SHORT TERM
(This evening through Thursday)
Issued at 121 PM CDT Wed Mar 18 2026

Over the next 36 hours, North and Central Texas will continue gliding towards an unseasonably warm period that is sure to break daily record highs this weekend. This transition from cool temperatures earlier this week to well above normal conditions is due to the strengthening ridge currently centered across southern California. As the ridge strengthens and migrates eastward, temperatures will respond appropriately with 70s expected later this afternoon and widespread 80s by tomorrow afternoon. Areas west of Bowie to Mineral Wells will likely climb above 90 degrees as much drier air will lead to a rapid afternoon warmup.

The dry air, mentioned above, will also lead to an increased threat for grass fires in the afternoon across western North Texas. Minimum relative humidity will be in the upper teens to 20s, with winds generally below 10 mph.

LONG TERM
(Thursday night through next Tuesday)
Issued at 121 PM CDT Wed Mar 18 2026

The dome of high pressure will be centered across the Four Corners region by Friday with North and Central Texas on the eastern periphery of the ridge. Abnormally warm temperatures will be in place, not just at the surface, but also in the middle levels of the atmosphere. At the surface, a recurring pattern will transpire each afternoon as slight pressure falls across the Front Range and surface high pressure in the northern Gulf usher in breezy southwesterly winds. As is usually the case with southwesterly winds, the gradual downsloping winds will further promote hot conditions throughout the region.

On Friday, temperatures will be in the 90s across much of the region. The exception will be across East Texas where upper 80s are most likely. The warming trend will not stop there as highs on Saturday and Sunday are now expected to be in the mid to upper 90s. Here are the expected numbers and how they compared to daily record highs across our two climate sites:

DFW

Forecast Record Mar 19 89 95 Mar 20 93 92 Mar 21 97 100 Mar 22 97 93

Waco

Forecast Record Mar 19 86 90 Mar 20 91 88 Mar 21 94 93 Mar 22 94 89

As shown in the table above, multiple record highs are expected to be broken over the course of the weekend. This early season heatwave may lead to a faster onset of heat-related illnesses given the reduced acclimation period. If you plan on spending time outdoors this weekend, ensure you are properly hydrated, wear light-colored clothing and take frequent breaks away from the sun.

The fire weather threat will be present almost every day this week along and west of I-35 given the low relative humidity values. The limiting factors through Saturday will be the lack of strong winds. On Sunday, this will be changing as southerly winds between 15-20 mph are expected west of I-35. Combined with record breaking hot temperatures and relative humidity values in the teens to around 20%, the threat for fire starts with a potential to spread will increase.

Beyond Sunday, there continues to be an indication that a cold front will push through the region on Monday, reducing daytime highs into the upper 70s to mid 80s. Even with this "cool down" temperatures will remain 10-20 degrees above normal through mid next week with no rain in at least the next 10 days.

AVIATION
(00Z TAFS)
Issued at 605 PM CDT Wed Mar 18 2026

VFR conditions will continue through the TAF period with just some scattered cirrus clouds anticipated. South to south- southwest winds up to 11 knots are expected through tomorrow.

SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT
Spotter activation is not expected at this time.

PRELIMINARY POINT TEMPS/POPS
Dallas-Ft. Worth 54 89 59 93 / 0 0 0 0 Waco 52 86 55 91 / 0 0 0 0 Paris 50 81 54 87 / 0 0 0 0 Denton 49 88 54 92 / 0 0 0 0 McKinney 51 86 56 91 / 0 0 0 0 Dallas 55 88 60 93 / 0 0 0 0 Terrell 51 85 55 91 / 0 0 0 0 Corsicana 53 88 57 93 / 0 0 0 0 Temple 50 89 54 94 / 0 0 0 0 Mineral Wells 49 91 55 95 / 0 0 0 0

FWD WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES
None.