Heatburst!

Heatbursts are one of the most fascinating weather phenomena. Sinking air from collapsing thunderstorms warms as it descends to the surface of the earth. The result can be a heatburst. These events cause dramatic increases in temperatures, desiccating drops in humidity and very strong winds.

On May 22, 1996, downdrafts from dying thunderstorms warmed as it reached the surface, causing a massive heatburst. The heatburst, spread across much of southwestern and central Oklahoma during a six hour period. The affected area was up to 150 miles wide and affected twelve counties with surging temperatures and damaging straight line winds.

The Oklahoma Mesonet showed early morning temperatures that rose from the 80s and into the upper 90s and low 100s in some places. Some temperatures between 11 pm and 3 am were: 98 degrees in Norman, 99 degrees in Washington, 102 degrees in Chickasha, 101 degrees at Fort Cobb, 100 degrees at Hobart, and 105 degrees in Ninnekah.

Wind speeds in excess of 70 mph were measured in parts of southwestern, central and south-central Oklahoma. The resulting damage can only be described as devastating in parts of southwest Oklahoma, particularly in the Lawton and Marlow areas. An estimated ninety percent of houses and outbuildings in eastern Comanche and western Stephens Counties sustained damage. Power outages lasted anywhere from a few minutes to nearly three days in parts of Lawton. Over 27,000 customers were without power at one time. Downed power lines sparked grass fires throughout the region. Total damage estimates exceeded $18 million.

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