While Oklahomans are currently being drenched with spring storms, the heat of the summer is coming.

Summer starts on June 1 or June 20, depending on whether you ask a meteorologist or an astronomer, but either way AccuWeather is predicting a hot summer for most of the contiguous United States.

Here’s what you should know about how Oklahoma temperatures will fare this summer.

2024 Oklahoma Summer forecast: Above average temperatures expected

According to AccuWeather, much of Oklahoma can expect to see temperatures two to three degrees higher than historical averages.

Southeast Oklahoma may not see as high of a departure from average temperatures.

But the Oklahoma panhandle could see some of the hottest temperatures, especially when it comes to August and showers and thunderstorms will likely provide a break from the heat in June and July.

2024 US Summer forecast: What states will see the most heat?

The areas expected to see the highest temperature departures from historical averages include over the Great Lakes, the Upper Midwest and the southwest Plains.

Northeast cities like New York and Boston could see twice to three or four times as many 90-degree days this summer as compared to 2023.

“Energy demand is expected to be higher compared to average,” AccuWeather Lead Long-Range Forecaster Paul Pastelok said. “Air conditioners and other cooling devices will be in high demand.”

Meanwhile, showers and thunderstorms will help curb the heat in Gulf Coast states after a dry 2023 boosted temperatures and left drought to expand.

RENO, Nev. (KOLO) -A Reno woman headed to Oklahoma Thursday as part of an American Red Cross team helping with the disaster there.

Jocelyn Seemann, a disaster services program manager, was joined by fellow American Red Cross Utah/Nevada chapter member Jim Erickson of Salt Lake City.

Seemann has deployed to six disasters with the Red Cross. Erickson has deployed four previous times for the Red Cross and deployed to 18 hurricanes when he was in the U.S. Coast Guard.

“Our Utah/Nevada Red Cross staffers will join other Red Cross relief workers who are coordinating closely with community and government partners to ensure people have the help they need,” Heidi Ruster, chief executive officer of the American Red Cross Utah/Nevada Region, said in a statement. “Our Utah/Nevada team has shown unwavering dedication and I am incredibly proud of their commitment.”

The Red Cross is helping across six states in the south and the Midwest after 130 tornadoes touched down.

The Red Cross said its disaster workers are conducting disaster assessments, offering safe shelter, meals, healthcare services, emotional support and distributing relief supplies across Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska and Iowa. In regions of Texas and Louisiana where heavy rains have caused rivers to overflow, Red Cross disaster relief teams are responding, with additional workers and relief supplies ready for deployment if needed.

“I see the tangible impact our staff and volunteers have on communities recovering from disasters,” Seemann said. “Being there for people during their darkest moments, offering comfort and hope, is a privilege that highlights the enduring humanity driving our mission. I am honored to stand in solidarity with those we serve, providing unwavering support for our impactful work.”

To donate to the Red Cross, go to redcross.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS, or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

Copyright 2024 KOLO. All rights reserved.

It’s Bedlam week. 

Coming off a series sweep against the Kansas Jayhawks last weekend, the Oklahoma State Cowgirls will square off against the Oklahoma Sooners in a three-game series at Loves Field in Norman. 

OSU (42-8, 19-5) is the No. 3-ranked team in the Big 12 Conference, and it still has a shot to take the regular season crown. 

With both teams inside the top five and fighting for the regular season conference title, the stakes couldn’t be any higher in the final regular season series for both teams. 

When: Friday at 6 p.m.; Saturday at 12 p.m.; Sunday at 3 p.m. 

How To Watch: Friday – FS1; Saturday – ESPN; Sunday – ESPN2

Series Storylines

One of the off the field storylines is bedlam softball will happen in 2025 as OU coach Patty Gasso announced on Tuesday. 

On the field, the main storyline is how Oklahoma State is going to handle the trio of Kelly Maxwell, Nicole May and Kierston Deal.

Deal has been efficient all season long, posting a 1.00 earned run average in 18 appearances this season. 

Maxwell, who transferred from the Cowgirls this past season, has been her usual self this season, collecting a 1.66 ERA in 24 appearances. 

The Cowgirls will counter the Sooners’ pitching attack with an offense that is No. 8-ranked in home runs per game and No. 9-ranked in slugging percentage this season. 

Freshman Karli Godwin will lead the charge, for she has 12 home runs and 42 RBIs this season. Godwin already made history this season as she set the single-season home run record for a freshman at Oklahoma State in the series sweep against Texas Tech. 

Caroline Wang, who transferred from Liberty, will look to be a bright spot on offense as well. She has 16 home runs and 46 RBIs this season. 

While the OSU offense has to be a factor in this series, the pitching staff will have to be dominant as well. 

Lexi Kilfyol will lead the pitching staff for the Cowgirls, and she has been taming teams all season long. The senior has a 1.16 ERA and 109 strikeouts this season. 

Ivy Rosenberry will look to finish strong as well. She has a 1.11 ERA and 83 strikeouts this season in 91 2/3 innings pitched for the Cowgirls. 

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