Late Summer Heatwave

We had to get into the heart of the summer this year before we started feeling the brutal triple digit heat, as the early summer months in Oklahoma were cooler than normal.

The month of June flew by without any days at or above 100 degrees. In fact, over half of the month of June, we spent with temperatures in the 80s.

July started off similar to June, you might remember our nice Fourth of July holiday, but the heat cranked up quickly a few days later. Our first 100 degree day came in early July, but a change in the upper level weather pattern brought in much needed rain and comfortable temperatures.

For the most part, August has been pretty normal - we've been on a roll the past few days with triple digit heat - but another system is on the way and it will give us a temporary break from the heat.

Dealing with triple digit heat is not fun and can even be dangerous, but it's a common occurrence in Oklahoma. Looking at data starting in 1905, we have 15 days a year, on average, with highs at or above 100 degrees each summer.

The current total of 100 degree days for Tulsa depends on what part you're in. The thermometer at the airport has only recorded three days with highs at or above 100, while here at the station in downtown we've had seven.

You can't complain though, if you look at the summers of 2011 and 2012, those were hot ones compared to 2014 so far.

Have we had a summer without reaching 100 degrees at all, you might ask?

Yes, in 2004, and I've heard several people say what a cool summer that was.

This summer we've spent many days with below normal highs and picked up a little much needed moisture, so while it hasn't been as cool as 2004, it hasn't been as bad as some of our more recent summers either.

-Stacia Knight.