Typical Hot, Humid August Weather

Notice the first maps on the right, courtesy of the OK Mesonet, which show several elements of our weather that we have not had to deal with for awhile. The first map shows the max/min temperatures across the state for today and for the first time this month the numbers were close to normal on our side of the state but some triple digits are starting to show up out west. A more noticeable aspect of today’s weather though was the amount of moisture in the air which made the combination of heat and humidity much more uncomfortable. The second map on the right shows the dew point temperature which has climbed back into the 70s here in E OK which is why the heat index topped out in triple digit territory as the third map shows.

Unfortunately, those conditions will change little through the coming weekend as temperatures will stay close to normal each day along with heat index values close to triple digits. At least, we are not anticipating actual air temperatures into triple digit territory as our daytime highs should remain in the low-mid 90s each afternoon after morning lows in the mid 70s each night. Keep in mind that our normal temperature range at this time of year is 94/73 so we will be close to those values each day.

We will also have at least a slight chance of a shower or storm each day right on through the extended forecast period. They will be few and far between, but those that do occur will be locally quite strong with gusty winds, frequent lightning, and brief periods of heavy rainfall. The chances of any one location receiving measurable rainfall is only on the order of 20% or so each day though; but at least there is a chance.

A weak frontal boundary will be dropping southward across KS and possibly moving into our more northern counties by Friday. That boundary will then become diffuse with another one coming our way early next week. These boundaries will also provide a weak focus for showers or storms so the more northern counties will likely have the best chances. These boundaries will also provide some variability in the winds with a general S to SE wind ahead of them and a more E wind component behind them. Wind speeds will generally be on the light side each day as well.

However, this pattern is expected to persist well into next week with a weak frontal boundary in the general area. As a result, temperatures going into the second week of August are expected to remain near to slightly below normal each day along with at least a chance of showers/storms on any given day. This outlook is shown for the 8-14 day period as the last two maps on the right which would strongly suggest no threat of triple digit temperatures during that time frame either.

So, stay tuned and check back for updates.

Dick Faurot