One Word: HOT!

The summer solstice arrived last week, and this week, the weather will be cooperating with the season. Due to a ridge of high pressure building over the region, we will see a streak of rain-free days and very warm temperatures through the end of the week. By the late weekend and into next week, we will be situated in the “middle” of an upper-level high with anticyclonic flow aloft in the western United States, bringing hot and dry conditions to that part of the nation, and an upper-level low with cyclonic flow aloft in the eastern United States, bringing cooler and wet conditions to that part of the nation. This will result in a north flow aloft between these two weather systems, which will allow a cold front to push into the region, bringing chances for rain and cooler temperatures. Until that point, however, we will be dealing with a scorcher. Please remember your heat safety tips!

Today
Clouds with very light rain are currently pushing eastward across northern Oklahoma. This rain is expected to end by mid-afternoon, with skies clearing afterwards. Elsewhere across the state, we will have mainly sunny skies for the day. High temperatures will begin to climb. The low-100s can be expected in the panhandle and extreme western Oklahoma, while the upper-90s are expected for the rest of western Oklahoma. Highs will reach the mid-90s across central Oklahoma. In the east, highs will top out in the low-90s. With high humidity levels, heat index values will be at or over 100 degrees. We will also have a strong south wind that will blow between 20 and 30 mph, gusting to 35 mph.

Wednesday

In the morning, we will start off with partly cloudy skies and lows in the low-to-mid-70s across the state. In the afternoon, we will have mainly sunny skies with highs continuing to become warmer. Highs in the low-to-mid-100s will be in place across western Oklahoma and the panhandle. Central and eastern Oklahoma will see highs in the mid-to-upper-90s. Heat index values will again soar over 100 degrees due to high humidity levels. Winds will continue to be from the south, with sustained speeds between 10 and 20 mph and gusts as high as 30 mph.

Thursday

At this time, Thursday looks to be the warmest day of this heat wave. Skies will be clear all day, really heating the surface. Warm morning lows will be in the mid-to-upper-70s across the state. Then in the afternoon, we will have highs in the low-to-mid-100s across western Oklahoma and the panhandle and highs in the upper-90s for central and eastern Oklahoma. Heat index values will be well into the 100s, likely reaching the 110-degree mark in some areas! Therefore, please remember your heat safety tips! The wind will die down somewhat, as sustained speeds from the south are between 5 and 15 mph, with gusts up to 20 mph.

Friday

On Friday, the story does not change. Morning lows will be mainly in the mid-70s. A few scattered clouds will develop across the state in the afternoon, but highs will remain on the warm side, with the 100s in place in western Oklahoma and the panhandle and upper-90s in place elsewhere. Humid conditions will continue to provide for high heat index values. Please be careful if you are involved in any outdoor activities this week!



Sources: NWS, HOOT, scenicreflections.com (photo)