Wednesday marked the 76th consecutive day of 100+ degree temperatures in Altus. If Thursday had hit the 100 degree mark or higher, we’d have tied for the record set in 1988.

Due to a cool front that moved through the area, temperatures stayed in the 70s for most of the morning, edging into the 80s around noon, but only hit 96 for a high - ending the race to beat the 1988 record.

The high today was expected to reach 101, with weekend temperatures forecast to be in the high 90s.

Although the Altus area has seen a couple of light showers this week, Thursday’s 50 percent chance of rain came up short. There are no other chances for rain this coming week.

According to data from the Oklahoma Mesonet, the statewide average temperature during July came in at 89.1 degrees, more than 7 degrees above normal.

The National Climatic Data Center’s statewide average for July stands at 88.9 degrees. Both values shattered the country’s previous record of 88.1 degrees held by another legendary hot month in Oklahoma, July 1954.