While we may not all agree on politics, religion, Ford vs Chevy, etc., the one opinion people universally agree on is hoping this summer will be cooler than last year.

2023 featured one of the hottest summers on record in Oklahoma. The 110°+ days seemed never to end and the drought conditions didn't help. Looking forward to this coming summer, Farmers Almanac is predicting it to be just as hot, but not as dry.

MarianVejcik
MarianVejcik
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But what about rain?

While most of Oklahoma got its normal amount of average rainfall last year, it all came early on and practically stopped by the time the heat set in. As dry as it was, most of the state saw a lot more rain than in 2022.

2021 was the hottest summer on record in the US, even hotter than the 1936 Dust Bowl summer, but it rained more than enough to keep the lakes full and lawns green. I remember complaining about mowing since I usually look forward to the summer dormancy of bermuda grass. Farmers Almanac is predicting a similar summer for Oklahoma.

According to whatever they use to forecast long-term, they have predicted that along with sizzling and sweltering heat will come plenty of rain throughout the season, which most people agree will be okay.

FarmersAlmanac.com
FarmersAlmanac.com
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While getting enough rain along with the heat is crucial, it makes me yearn for that magical summer of 2020. Sure, people complained there was nothing to do in the grand scheme of the pandemic, but I fished almost every single day that summer with absolutely ideal temperatures. I think we may have had one day over 100° all summer long, most days hovered around 90°... It was the best of times and the worst of times.

Here's hoping you don't melt this summer. Good luck.

Read the full Farmers Almanac forecast here.

Oklahoma's Top 11 Worst Natural & Manmade Disasters

Some of Oklahoma's most notorious disasters here will be somewhat familiar. Our weather is incredible enough, but there has been a surprising amount of new and modern discoveries of manmade shenanigans. Tornadoes to toxic soils, bombs to nuclear secrets, these are the top 11 worst natural and manmade disasters that have struck Oklahoma.

Gallery Credit: Kelso

Oklahoma's Highest-Rated Barbeque Joints, In No Particular Order...

I doubt there's a single topic debated more passionately in Oklahoma than who makes the best BBQ. While they all smoke meat, there are some huge differences in how that process is done. Type of wood, length of cook, foil vs paper wrap, and even the hot topics of seasoning and binders come into play. What you like others may not, and vice versa. Since we can't just pick a top five or ten, here are the Oklahoma barbeque joints that have the biggest fans.

Gallery Credit: Kelso

The Best Places to Live in Oklahoma

When it comes to living in Oklahoma, there is no shortage of opinions on where you should live. If you compare all of the different metrics--schools, cost of living, diversity, amenities, etc--you'll get a slightly different list every time... but if you compound all of them into one, you get this list. The best places to live in Oklahoma.

Gallery Credit: Kelso

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