Oklahoma is bracing for a significant shift in its weather pattern, one that State Climatologist Gary McManus is calling a welcome departure from the typical late-summer heat. As the state heads into the final week of August and beyond, residents can anticipate a period of heavy rainfall and unseasonably cool temperatures, a change that McManus describes with palpable enthusiasm.
“How does more heavy rain and highs in the 70s, lows in the 50s and 60s sound?” McManus asked.
The forecast represents a stark and refreshing contrast to the sweltering August days Oklahomans are accustomed to. McManus, who has been documenting the state’s weather for years through his popular Mesonet Ticker, sees this as a brief, but glorious, interlude. “Soon, I shall be basking in October’ish weather, surely to bask in August’ish weather afterwards, but I’ll take what I can get,” he noted, expressing a sentiment likely shared by many across the state.
This upcoming weather pattern also comes on the heels of an already historically wet year for Oklahoma. According to McManus, the state is already in the “top-10 wettest Jan. 1 through Aug. 19 periods on record for at least the last 100 years, based on our statewide average rainfall.” The addition of another “blast of heavy rains” early next week will only solidify this record.
“Well go on with your bad self, Mother Nature!” McManus quipped, acknowledging the state’s remarkable year for precipitation.
While the relief is a welcome change, McManus urges cautious optimism. The cool, wet spell is not a sign that summer’s grip has been broken for good. “Resist the urge to say ‘we’ve had our last…’ because September can get hot here in Oklahoma. REALLY hot,” he warned.
However, for now, Oklahomans can look forward to a few days of relief from the triple-digit heat and humidity. The promise of “70s at the end of August” is a reason to celebrate and enjoy the temporary reprieve before the inevitable return of more typical late-summer conditions. To read more from McManus on his ticker, click here:
