(KTEN) – Three record highs in a week, the hottest Battle of the Ax game ever played, several days of triple digit heat, an August that many Texomans are glad is in the rear-view mirror.

Temperatures climbed up to 106° on August 20, 25, and 26, which is the new record high for all three dates. Meanwhile, on the other side of the thermometer, Sherman observed a high of 90° on August 15 when a strong cold front brought a fall-like air mass to Texoma. Morning lows dipped into the 50s for many of our Oklahoma locations.

Daily high temperatures for August 2023
Daily high temperatures for August 2023 KTEN

 

Barely any rain fell during the month of August with only 0.20 inches of rain observed in Sherman, Texas.

Daily rainfall totals for August 2023
Daily rainfall totals for August 2023 KTEN

 

Our Texoma drought has greatly increased due to minimal rain this month. Flash drought conditions are settling in with severe drought appearing within two weeks.

Drought monitor as of August 31
Drought monitor as of August 31 KTEN

 

Burn bans are starting to pop up in Texoma as the drought situation worsens.

Burn bans in place as of August 31
Burn bans in place as of August 31 KTEN

 

As we eye up the Labor Day holiday weekend, make sure you are not using an open flame grill or using a fire pit. The tiniest of embers can spark a wildfire and it will spread quickly. 

According to the Climate Prediction Center, the heat will continue into September with a high likelihood of above average temperatures in Texoma.

Above average temperatures likely in Texoma through September 11
Above average temperatures likely in Texoma through September 11 KTEN

 

Below average precipitation is also likely, so it looks like our drought might be getting worse before it gets better.

Below average precipitation possible through September 11
Below average precipitation possible through September 11 KTEN

 

Heading into Meteorological Fall, it will still feel like summer, unfortunately.