Issued on: July 2, 2026
Happy Independence Day as we celebrate the semiquincentennial or 250th birthday of the United States of America!  Southerly winds will continue to transport light Saharan dust northward into Oklahoma for the next few weeks.  Widespread patriotic fireworks will leave areas of fine particulate matter, which may reach the unhealthy category in the immediate vicinity of large and persistent displays.  Hazy, hot, and humid conditions will support isolated rain showers, which may create local pockets of clean air.  A cool front will approach Oklahoma on Sunday, and ozone may increase with lighter winds in the subsequent days.