Discover the Absolute Hottest Place in Oklahoma

The state of Oklahoma is no stranger to hot, humid summers. The four separate seasons have different effects in different places. The wandering of the mid-latitude jet stream and the yearly migration of a massive, semi-permanent area of high-pressure concentrated over the Atlantic Ocean near Bermuda regulate the climate, which is generally moderate in every area.  

Typically, summers are very hot. Daytime highs in the 90s are typical, and temperature readings of 100 degrees Fahrenheit or more are normal, particularly in the southwest. Drought and summer heat are closely associated in this Midwestern state.  

The warmest summers on record in Oklahoma are accompanied by severe precipitation shortages. Let’s take a look at the state’s history with steamy weather and the one town that is in record books for extreme heat!

The Hottest Place in Oklahoma

The western panhandle and the northeastern portion of the state see 90°F or higher temperatures on an annual average of 63 days. 

Southwest Oklahoma has a median of approximately 115 days, whereas the southeast has an average of about 85 days. In a few years, May through September are the months with the highest probability of 100°F or higher temperatures, while April and October are the months with the lowest frequency. 

Western Oklahoma gets more intense temperatures during the summer than other parts of the state, with 30 to 40 days at or above 100°F. Eastern Oklahoma and the Panhandle both have an average of roughly 15 days over 100 degrees. 

However, the eastern region of the state has more summer discomfort due to the elevated humidity there.

Hottest Temperature Ever Recorded in Oklahoma

Oklahoma’s highest temperature ever registered temperature was 120° F. In the scorching summer of 1936, this number was first noticed in Alva on July 18. It was also recorded in Altus on July 19 and August 12. Poteau reached 120° F on August 10 of that same year. 

On July 26, 1943, Tishomingo had a temperature of 120° F. On June 27, 1994, the Oklahoma Mesonet station close to Tipton hit the milestone as well.

History of the Hottest Place in Oklahoma — Tipton, OK

At the intersection of State Highways 5 and 5C, Tipton, which is a part of Tillman County, is approximately fourteen miles to the northwest of Frederick, the county seat. The community, which was first known as Farmersville, was temporarily known as Stinson after W. A. Stinson, who eventually sold the townsite to investors from Elk City, OK. 

The community relocated in 1909 so it could take advantage of the Wichita Falls and Northwestern Railway’s proximity. Citizens suggested that the place be given its name after John J. Tipton, the conductor of the inaugural train to travel through the area, in appreciation of the anticipated benefit of the railroad. 

On July 29, 1909, Tipton was platted, and on September 18, 1909, a post office was established there. In 1910, there were 441 residents. 111 years later, in 2021, the population is just shy of 900. 

Ecology and Wildlife

Around an hour northeast of the hottest place in Oklahoma is Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge. A 59,000-acre refuge in southwest Oklahoma is dedicated to a wide range of animals, such as bison, moose, pronghorns, and Texas longhorns. 

Wild birds of prey, white-tailed deer, and several other bird species are also available for viewing by visitors. The American bison was chosen as the state animal in 1972, and these enormous animals may be seen all around the state.

Black bears are also frequently seen throughout Oklahoma. In addition to bears, mountain lions, and feral hogs are animals that you’ll want to be aware of during a hiking or camping trip.

Things to Do in Tipton, OK

In the nearby town of Frederick, OK, there are a handful of fun tourist attractions. Let’s take a look at the top three things to do near Tipton, OK. 

The Crawford Collection Museum

The Crawford family has amassed a staggering number of trophy mount animals from hunts all around the world. It has about 200 specimens, featuring lions, bears, a bull elephant, rhinos, pythons, giraffes, and a great number of other animals. 

Instead of being enclosed by glass or ropes, the creatures are placed such that guests can get right next to them and wander around to enjoy amazing vantage points of wild animals.

Pioneer Heritage Townsite Center

This museum features a number of authentic structures, such as the 1901 Frisco Depot, the 1902 Horse Creek School, a 1924 farmhouse, and a 1924 church, all of which were intended to portray a rural townsite in the 1920s. 

The townsite is home to more than ten displays representing rural Oklahoman life in the 1920s.  The welcoming staff of the museum is constantly ready for inquiries and visits. There is also an annual garden that can be explored.   

Wheat, corn, and cotton are all seasonal crops. Frederick’s townsite serves as the venue for a number of yearly events for Tipton and the surrounding towns, including “Concerts in the Park” in June and “Arts in Action” in September.

Romana Theater

Opening day for the Ramona Theatre was October 24. In 1957, this Frederick, OK theater was still in use as a theater. As a historic site, it is included on the National Register. Now it’s utilized as a local theater for small-town plays and shows.