The Heat Just Goes On and On and......

The record setting heat of this record setting summer just goes on. The map on the right, courtesy of the Ok Mesonet, shows the number of days with triple digit temperatures through yesterday. It will be updated at midnight tonight, but notice in particular the 87 in extreme SW OK. Officially, that location broke the previous record of 86 yesterday, will add to it today, and quite likely add even more to it for the rest of the week. OKC also broke their all-time record number of triple digit days yesterday, will add to it today and for at least several more days.

In our corner of the state, we are nowhere close to setting any of those kinds of records, and have even had a few showers again this morning into the early afternoon hours. Although the rain has been spotty, the clouds have kept temperatures down somewhat with triple digits just west of the Tulsa area where they have had more sunshine. Looks like most of us should stay just below 100 this afternoon which may be a moot point since the high humidity levels will make it feel like 100 or more anyway. Dew point temperatures should remain in the upper 60s to near 70 for much of the day and the relative humidity will only drop into the 40% range.

Despite the moisture and clouds, there is only a slight chance of rain and most of what showers or storms do occur will be confined to the extreme eastern counties or on into Arkansas. A weak frontal boundary will be moving across the state Wed night, but there will only be a slight chance of showers or storms with that system as well.

Brisk southerly winds today are at least providing some ventilation, and the clouds, southerly winds, and high moisture content will add up to another extremely warm start to our day on Wednesday. In fact, those same factors got us off to a record setting start this morning and may do the same Wed AM. Wed PM looks to be just plain hot as a more SW wind in advance of the frontal boundary mentioned earlier should dry out the air somewhat. This will allow for more sunshine, lower dew point temperature and humidity levels, and an air temperature which should easily reach triple digits for most, if not all, locations.

As Alan mentioned in his excellent early morning discussion, this next frontal boundary continues to look weaker and weaker with each model solution. As a result, don't expect too much of a cool-down as daytime highs will still be well into the 90s and triple digits likely not too far to the west and southwest of us. A more E to NE surface wind should at least allow our nights to drop into the low-mid 70s heading into the weekend.

At this time, the latest guidance is pretty consistent in bringing a somewhat stronger frontal boundary through along about Monday of next week. That may also bring with it a better chance of showers or storms and hopefully, a more significant cool down. Don't bet the farm on that just yet though as the dominant, warm-core, high pressure ridge aloft has defied all attempts to weaken its grip on the state so far.

Strongly suggest checking the latest weather reports if you have any travel plans along the east coast for later this week and into the weekend. Irene looks to be a real trouble maker for those locations, but will have no direct bearing on our weather.

So, stay cool, stay tuned, and check back for updates.

Dick Faurot