Oklahoma, a state often associated with scorching, dry summers, is experiencing an unusual start to June, marked by persistent rainfall, mild temperatures, and a notable absence of the typical dry heat. This “un-Okie” trend, as State Climatologist Gary McManus humorously puts it, is setting the stage for a potentially uncomfortable shift as humidity is poised to make its grand entrance.
“After the recent rains, humidity is on the way,” stated Gary McManus, whose “Panhandle sensibilities” are clearly offended by the prospect of sticky air in a “land of the big sky and dry air.” The continuous precipitation has left the state exceptionally wet, a situation McManus acknowledges is “supposedly a good thing UNTIL IT GETS HOT.”
The statistics underscore the unusual start to June. “The fact that we’ve had the 5th-wettest first 16 days of June in at least the last 100 years doesn’t help matters at all,” McManus revealed. While this ample moisture has successfully fended off drought conditions, it also brings a heightened risk of severe weather. “And there’s more rain on the way, and possibly more severe weather. Another thing you don’t have to worry about is a hot, dry heat. No thanks!” McManus exclaimed, noting the state has already endured 68 tornadoes this year.
The lack of a gradual transition into summer temperatures is another significant concern. According to McManus, Oklahomans haven’t had the necessary “acclimation of a prolonged ramp-up in both actual air temps and heat index to get us ready.” He points to a graph illustrating the departure from average statewide maximum temperatures since May 1, noting that “summer hasn’t even been a THING yet.”
Despite the prolonged mild and wet conditions, McManus offers a final, almost ominous, prediction: “Oh (third try), it’s coming alright.” Oklahomans should prepare for a significant shift as the anticipated humidity collides with the already saturated landscape, potentially leading to a sweltering and muggy summer.
To read more from State Climatologist Gary McManus on his weather ticker, click here.
