National Weather Service Weather Forecast Office

Wichita's Warmest Summer Since 1980!

The average temperature (average of each daily high and low temperature) recorded at Wichita Mid-Continent Airport June through August 2010 was 82.3 degrees, 3.5 degrees above normal (1971 to 2000 official climatological normal). Consequently, the summer of 2010 became Wichita`s 5th warmest summer since records began in 1888, and the warmest summer since 1980. The months of June, July and August are considered "meteorological summer"

With the exception of above normal high temperatures in June, along with oppressive heat and humidity mid to late July through mid August, the summer of 2010 did not necessarily break into the top 5 warmest summers because of prolonged and extreme daytime heat. Seventeen days this summer recorded high temperatures 100 degrees or above. While this is about 4 days above normal, it certainly is not earth-shattering when compared to the summers of 1980 and 1936, when the century mark was reached or exceeded 44 and 47 days, respectively.

The primary contribution to the above normal temperatures this summer was the abnormally warm overnight lows. Sixty-four days during the summer of 2010 recorded overnight lows greater than or equal to 70 degrees, well above the typical 37 days. In fact, the summer of 2010 had the 3rd highest number of days recording overnight lows 70 degrees or higher, with the summers of 1934 and 1954 taking 1st and 2nd place at 68 and 65 days, respectively.

The below graphs illustrate the warm summer of 2010.  Click on each graph to enlarge.