The high pressure system also acted as a cap on the atmosphere inhibiting the development of thunderstorm activity, leading to exceptionally severe drought conditions.
The heat wave paused briefly when the decaying Hurricane Allen disrupted the prevailing weather pattern.
The area saw 29 days in which the previous record high temperature was either broken or tied, including its all-time high when the temperature hit 113 °F (45 °C) on three consecutive days (June 26 and 27 at DFW Airport and June 28 at Dallas Love Field).
The high temperatures of the 1980 heat wave were worse than 2011, as was its early start in June and its ultimate human toll.
The Western Wisconsin Derecho of July 15 killed three, and caused extensive property damage.