Summer Heat Returns This Week

Unseasonably cool temperatures as a result of a strong surface cold front due to an upper-level trough had Oklahomans thinking fall may have arrived early this year.  After a cool work week, a typical summerlike pattern will resume this upcoming week with a strong ridge of high pressure in place aloft.  This will allow temperatures to return to their typical levels for mid-to-late July.

First, we'll take a look back at the record-breaking cool temperatures from the past week.  Then we will examine the forecast for the upcoming week.  On the right is a graphic showing the chill in the air for Oklahoma City.  Some sort of record has been set or tied at the Will Rogers World Airport the past four days.  Thursday would be the ultimate winner, as both a new record low maximum and record low minimum were set.  Wednesday through Friday will also be noted as three consecutive days with highs at or below 72 degrees.  This has never happened in July in Oklahoma City before!  Temperature records from Oklahoma City date back to 1890.

On the left is a graphic showing the chill in the air for Tulsa.  While high temperatures did not remain cool for quite as long in Tulsa, check out those low temperatures.  A low in the upper-50s on Friday and Saturday?!  These low temperatures are reminiscent of what should occur around the first day of fall (September 22 - 23).  No wonder they were both new record lows.

Along with the cooler temperatures came much-needed rainfall across mainly the center of the state.  Widespread totals exceeding 2 inches occurred across this region.  Locally heavier rainfall fell with some storms just east of the Oklahoma City metro area.  The map to the right shows the 7-day rainfall totals for Oklahoma, courtesy of the Mesonet.

Now that we've taken a look back at the past week's chill, we will now let you know that the summer heat returns this week.  Highs in the 90s return for most tomorrow, even nearing the triple-digits for the panhandle.  Far eastern Oklahoma may be lucky to see one more day without highs reaching the 90-degree mark.  On Monday, that changes as the entire state sees highs in the low-to-upper-90s.  Heat indices will be in the lower-100s.  This trend will continue through the end of the week, with very little fluctuation in the high temperatures across the state.  Low temperatures will also show little to no variation, with temperatures falling to the mid-70s overnight.  A very slim rain chance is possible across the state Tuesday night, Wednesday, and Wednesday night; otherwise, expect partly to mostly sunny skies.

AC

Sources: NWS Norman, NWS Tulsa, Mesonet