A Pacific storm is bringing areas of low elevation rain, moderate to heavy mountain snow, and high winds to the Northwest. Strong Santa Ana winds and very dry conditions are producing elevated to critical fire weather conditions in southern California. Isolated strong to severe thunderstorms are possible through early Wednesday morning across parts of northeast Texas into western Tennessee. Read More >
Overview
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A week long heat wave impacted most of the Southern and Central Plains toward the middle of August as an upper level high pressure system planted over the region. This feature provided 7 consecutive days of extreme temperatures. Through this time period, 14 max temperature records were either tied or broken across the Wichita NWS forecast area. On August 19th, the high temperature in Wichita soared to 111 degrees! This was the hottest temperature in Wichita in 11 years and only 3 degrees from the all time high temperature in Wichita. During the late afternoon of August 21st, the heat index at Chanute soared to 126 degrees! This was the 3rd highest heat index value at Chanute since 1948 and the highest since 1981. |
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Photos & Video
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Animation of 500mb heights showing the persistent upper ridge over the Plains which lead to the August heat wave. |
Map showing the large area of excessive heat warnings across the region |
Heat Records
Wichita
| Date | Max Temperature | Previous Record |
| Saturday August 19th | 111 | 105 (1936) |
| Sunday August 20th | 108 | 106 (2001) |
| Monday August 21st | 106 | 105 (1896) |
| Tuesday August 22nd | 105 | 105 (1922) |
| Friday August 25th | 106 | 105 (2000) |
Salina
| Date | Max Temperature | Previous Record |
| Saturday August 19th | 113 | 111 (1936) |
| Sunday August 20th | 106 | 106 (2003) |
| Monday August 21st | 108 | 108 (1922) |
| Tuesday August 22nd | 107 | 106 (1918) |
Russell
| Date | Max Temperature | Previous Record |
| Saturday August 19th | 106 | 103 (1962) |
| Sunday August 20th | 104 | 104 (1952) |
| Monday August 21st | 103 | 103 (2001) |
| Tuesday August 22nd | 103 | 103 (2000) |
| Wednesday August 23rd | 103 | 102 (2011) |
Chanute
| Date | Max Temperature | Previous Record |
| Sunday August 20th | 105 | 103 (1962) |
| Monday August 21st | 104 | 104 (1913) |
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| Wichita's max temps and departure from normal through the heat wave | Salina's max temps and departure from normal through the heat wave | Russell's max temps and departure from normal through the heat wave | Chanute's max temps and departure from normal through the heat wave |
Additional information
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