Will it be Oklahoma or Texas breaking the record for the hottest summer in the U.S., by Gary McManus, Oklahoma Climatological Survey

 

I’ve been talkign about Oklahoma’s chances to beat the all-time summer (climatological summer runs from June 1-August 31) heat record for the entire United States. Here’s that top-10 list again for the highest statewide average summer temperatures since records began in 1895. We already hold the top three spots.

State Year Avg. Temp

Oklahoma 1934 85.2

Oklahoma 1936 84.4

Oklahoma 1980 84.3

Louisiana 1998 84.3

Texas 1980 84.3

Texas 1998 84.3

Oklahoma 1954 84.2

Texas 1934 84.2

Louisiana 2010 84.1

Arkansas 1934 83.5

Texas 1918 83.5

According to Oklahoma Mesonet data, our statewide average temperature through August 28 is 86.7 degrees. So yes, we will  break the record. It is inevitable.

Okay, now here’s the deal.  From my calculations of preliminary data, Texas is also in line to break that same record. The big question is …

will they top our record-breaking summer temperature?

By my calculations, they very well could. By my very very preliminary calculations, Texas’ statewide average through Sunday was 87 degrees. August is the kicker.

June July August Prelim. Summer Average

Oklahoma 83.5 89.1 87.5 86.7

Texas 85.2 87.1 88.6 87.0

Remember once again, the August numbers are still very preliminary, but one thing is very certain … both states are going to top the previous record for hottest summer since 1895.

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