Humidity On The Rise As Oklahoma Gears Up For Summer Heat

Looking at the forecast, Oklahoma is about to hop straight into another hot summer. It's arriving a little later than normal this year, but nobody is complaining.

The meteorologists are saying it's going to be a brutal baptism of humidity until the rains quit, and given our record-breaking rainfall across most of the state, it checks out.

As the lush and green parts of Oklahoma give up that moisture, an average 88° June day will quickly start to feel over 100° during the hottest parts of the day. That's just the nature of the heat index.

Even as the humidity drops, as temps climb even higher as we get closer to July, the index will still be solidly over 100° until the temperature catches up and the sun bakes the ground.

By then, it'll still be hot, but many find relief in the high heat of Oklahoma. Me included.

No more storms. 

Personally, while I loathe the 100°+ days, I'll gladly take them over spring's comfortable hail and tornado weather. When the weather is hot enough, it quite literally puts a lid on storm development, and the worst of our spring weather moves North to Montana, the Dakotas, Minnesota, etc.

Even though we'll still have some impressive storms throughout summer, they're the garden variety pop-up thunderstorms. Loud with big, fat raindrops that are over in a flash, lasting just long enough to make you feel sticky.

The heat is also peak lake and pool season.

Dangers. 

Of course, with the heat comes heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and electric bills high enough to give you a momentary heart attack, but that's not the most common issue during the heat. The biggest risk is actually your car.

Now is the time you want to give it a seasonal once-over. Check your fluids - radiator, oil, windshield washer, etc. Top off what needs fluid, and double-check the backseat to ensure you're not commuting every day in a powder keg.

I went through my own vehicle while waiting for the derecho that never arrived last Sunday. My nephew tends to leave all sorts of stuff in the backseat. I found soda, orange juice, a bag of goldfish crackers, an empty bottle of cologne that made my truck smell really nice these last few weeks, and some batteries.

If left in there unknowingly all summer, the soda would explode for sure, and the batteries would likely do the same, or at least leak acid into my interior.

When you get the chance, go through your vehicle. Use your head and look out for these often-overlooked items that don't mix with summer temps.