100 Degree Heat Spreads
It was only a matter of time, but our cooler and wetter start to Summer flipped to our more traditional dry and hot climate. Sunday marked the hottest day with the highest heat indices across the state. This will continue during the week, with just a few opportunities for rain.
The heat index values peaked over 110 degrees in many areas on Sunday. The same will occur for Monday, as we kick off the work week. Why are the temperatures hotter out west, cooler out east, yet the heat index is hottest out east? That’s because of the humidity values. Remember that the heat index is just a “feels like” temperature to us humans due to our body’s ability to cool itself under the stress of the weather environment. So the higher the humidity, the harder it is to cool via evaporation off the surface of our skin.
Be sure to mention Aaron Tuttle when you call (405) 820-1193!
This is a good time to talk about heat-related stress and dangerous outdoor working conditions. Be sure you recognize the signs of heat exhaustion. OSHA has some good information for those working outdoors. Find out more here: OSHA Heat Exposure
As far as the heat goes nationwide, expect it to expand to many areas. Temperatures will be a few degrees above normal this week in some areas, but they will increase in intensity early next week.
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With the heat building and precipitation falling off a bit, that will affect the overall drought conditions. Nationwide, the drought has been the most significant out west. We eliminated ours, but it should start to return over the coming days. The nationwide forecast doesn’t reflect that and focuses elsewhere. That’s obviously in error.
The Jetstream animation shows a weak upper low across Texas shearing out across Oklahoma over the next few days (brighter colors). This will allow at least some rain activity, and the added air moisture will help cool the western counties briefly. The best rain signals are Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, with the addition of a weak frontal boundary arriving at that time.
Temperatures will be flirting with that 100-degree mark in central Oklahoma this weekend. Typically, we top out at 99 degrees for a couple of days, then we bust through. That’s due to the extra ground and plant moisture that has to mix out. Regardless, you won’t know the difference. Stay cool and hydrated! -AT
