[TLI]

The 1980 United States heat wave was among the most devastating natural disasters in terms of deaths and destruction in U.S. history. The heat wave claimed at least 1,700 lives[1]. Also because of the massive drought, agricultural damage estimates neared US$44 billion (1998 dollars). It is among the billion-dollar weather disasters listed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

In Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas, high temperatures exceeded 100°F a total of 69 times, including a record 42 consecutive days from June 23 to August 3. Dallas/Fort Worth reached an all-time high on June 26 and 27, soaring to 113°F (45°C) on both days. In the northern hemisphere summer of 1980 in Dallas/Fort Worth, there were 29 days that either tied or broke records for those respective dates. Wichita Falls, Texas would hit 117°F (48°C), the highest temperature ever recorded in that city to date.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1980_United_States_heat_wave

[r-q-tek86]

In Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas, high temperatures exceeded 100°F a total of 69 times, including a record 42 consecutive days from June 23 to August 3. Dallas/Fort Worth reached an all-time high on June 26 and 27, soaring to 113°F (45°C) on both days

I was working on a roofing crew that summer... in Fort Worth

[wideminded]

Wichita Falls, Texas would hit 117°F (48°C), the highest temperature ever recorded in that city to date.

I have no doubt that it can get that hot in Texas but it NEVER gets anywhere near that hot in any of the northern cities (also located on bodies of water) that poster PhilCollins mentioned. See #49.