Near-Record Highs This Weekend, Air Quality And Fire Danger A Concern

Our temperatures will be dropping into the 70s overnight Friday under clear skies.

This weekend still looks extremely hot with nearly the whole state experiencing temperatures in the low 100s.

Southeastern Oklahoma will see the worst heat, with Lawton and Altus expected to receive a high of 109 degrees.

On Sunday, not much will change, although temps will drop only slightly, highs should remain in the 100s.

These dangerous temperatures stick around through early next week.

Should I Worry About Air Quality?

Smoke from wildfires in Canada has drifted southward into the United States, bringing down the air quality in parts of the country, including Oklahoma.

A good portion of the state is seeing a "moderate" rating on the air quality index, although the Oklahoma City area is seeing over 100 parts per million, and Tulsa is seeing almost 150. This shouldn't affect most people, but those with respiratory issues should take caution.

Is Fire A Concern?

Much of the state is facing some form of fire threat. Dry conditions and winds mean fires could spread out of control if they spark.

The northeastern part of the state, encompassing Stillwater, Ponca City and Tulsa, is facing a low threat, while a strip of land bisecting the state northwest to southeast, stretching from Alva, through the Oklahoma City metro and McAlester, faces a moderate threat.

The panhandle, western Oklahoma and the Texas border region faces a high fire threat. Residents across the state should avoid unnecessary flames.

Seaborne Storms

Hurricane Hilary, now a Category 4 hurricane which worsened conditions of wildfires in Hawaii, is moving eastward. The storm system is expected to make landfall in Baja California and western Mexico on Friday.

In the Atlantic, a smaller storm over Cuba is catching the eye of weather experts, but it is not as developed as Hurricane Hillary.

How Is Next Week Looking?

Next week looks very hot as well with this heat wave continuing. Looking ahead to Aug. 26th, that is the day of our next pattern shift and a possible cold front.