The Ozarks began an extreme heat wave two years ago today

In 2022, it had been 8 long years since Springfield broke the 100° threshold. On July 19, 2022, we were beginning one of the hottest stretches in decades.

On July 19, 2022 , Springfield reached 102°. This was the beginning of the domino effect, leading to dangerously hot conditions across the Ozarks.

July 2022

• 19th – 102°
• 20th – 103°
• 21st – 102°
• 22nd – 101°
• 23rd – 101°
• 24th – 102°
• 25th – 97°
• 26th – 104 °

The extreme heat of 2022 hit during the Price Cutter Charity Championship. Leaving participants, volunteers, and spectators to take extra precautions to stay cool and hydrated.

HVAC technicians worked double time to keep homes cool during the abnormal temperatures.

Animals at the Dickerson Park Zoo were given big fans, ice treats, like blood-sicles and outdoor misters to stay cool in the heat.

As if the temperatures weren’t bad enough, drought conditions had spread across the Ozarks. From July 1-19, 2022, Springfield had measured only 0.11″ of rainfall. This led to major issues for farmers across the state.

During the summer of 2022, we reached 100° once more on August 3, when we reached 101°. During 2023, Springfield reached 100° on July 29 and August 20.

This year is a stark difference from years past. We are continuing to trend much cooler than normal.

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