It hasn't been 1980 and 2011 extreme, but 2022 is definitely in the running for top 10 or even top 5 warmest summer to-date.
How this year stands out from 1980 and 2011 is that the July/August-type heat arrived and has mostly stuck around since early May. In the aforementioned 2 years, the extreme heat didn't kick in until the 2nd half of June.
Just noticed, Models have been hinting at a slightly stronger cold front passage tomorrow / Sunday. Could end our 100*F+ streak early with just enough CAA.
As far as the fantasy range heat & 600dm ridge, the Ventusky app is showing widespread highs of 115°F to 120°F across the Central/Southern Plains which would shatter any all-time highs.
What would make that even more impressive if it happened is that the grounds won't be all that dry (except across Texas).
They're not entirely wrong about the potential with this setup, but using words such as "likely," predicting 90-100 MPH winds and using those terrible graphics is definitely laughable.