Excessive Heat in Tulsa, Oklahoma

A strong ridge of high pressure in the middle and upper atmosphere redeveloped across the south central United States in mid July resulting in strong subsidence over the region. High temperatures climbed to above 100 degrees on all but two days during the remainder of the month at the Tulsa International Airport and July 2011 went down as the second warmest July on record for that area since records began in 1905. Numerous record temperatures were exceeded this month across eastern Oklahoma. This heat combined with fairly high relative humidity values resulted in afternoon heat index values, or apparent temperatures, in the 105 to 115 degree range. Very little relief was realized during the overnight period as temperatures only fell into the upper 70s to mid 80s. This period of excessive heat continued into August.