06.23.10 Summer heat is here

Summer is officially here, as of June 21. But we've been experiencing summer
heat for most of June. For the period of June 1- June 20, the statewide average
temperature was 4.6 degrees above normal at 75.5 degrees.

The average maximum temperature across the state was 90.6 degrees, 3.7 degrees
above normal. The average minimum was 5.7 degrees above normal at 69.7 degrees.

The moisture in the air has made this month feel more like the
heat experienced in July and August in Oklahoma. The moisture in the air adds
to the heat stress on people, animals and power supply of Oklahoma. 

The heat index has been in the danger zone this month. Here
are the top 10 Mesonet heat indices for June so far:
Clayton              6/6/2010            107.6
Claremore           6/19/2010          107.5
Wilburton            6/6/2010            107.5
Blackwell            6/19/2010           107.5
Marshall              6/19/2010           107.3
Bixby                 6/19/2010           107.1
Chickasha            6/19/2010           107.1
Burbank              6/19/2010            107.1
Vinita                 6/19/2010            107.1
Altus                  6/10/2010            107.1
To keep an eye on current heat indices, start at the Agweather main page.
Select Weather from the top menu, then Air temperature and Heat Index from the left hand menu. 

Keep hydrated and protect yourself during this heat, it doesn't look to be going anywhere anytime soon.