Recent Heat Is Well Above Normal — But Not Record-Breaking
Kansas has experienced a stretch of above-normal temperatures in late August and early September, with daytime highs consistently climbing into the low-to-mid 100s.
On Wednesday, the official high at Salina Municipal Airport reached 103°F — 16 degrees above the long-term average of 87°F for that date.
Multiple days in the Aug. 20–Sep. 3 period have also topped 100°F.
While the heat has been noticeable and uncomfortable, it has not approached historical extremes.
The daily record high for September 2 is 110°F, set in 2000.
Salina’s all-time record high remains 118°F, recorded on August 13, 1936.
Late summer and early fall in north-central Kansas have always been capable of producing hot days.
This year’s stretch stands out more for its persistence than for breaking long-standing records.
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