Pleasant New Year's Eve, Cold Front Tomorrow

The temperatures around here sure don't want to stay warm, do they?  The trend of cold fronts will continue on into the new year.  We'll have calm conditions for this evening and tonight, with a cold front moving through the state tomorrow afternoon and evening, bringing much colder temperatures and the chance for some wintry precipitation across parts of northern and central Oklahoma.

Powerful Cold Front to Bring Sinking Temperatures, Strong Winds

Warm, above-average temperatures we have been experiencing over the past few days will come to a dramatic end as a strong cold front pushes through the state overnight.  As a result, afternoon temperatures tomorrow will be some 20 to 30 degrees colder than what they were today, and winds will be exceptionally strong in some areas.  Some freezing drizzle may occur behind the front, but we are not expecting any major wintry precipitation at this time.

UPDATE: Winter Weather, Thunderstorms to Impact State

UPDATE 12/20/13 5:00 PM: The Ice Storm Warning has been expanded farther southward.  A new Freezing Rain Advisory is now in effect across southern and eastern Oklahoma.  Updates have been made to the regions as indicated below.  We have written the updates in bold and this blue color to stand out.

The cold front has swept across much of the state as of this morning and has brought significantly cooler temperatures along with strong northerly winds.  Here are the latest details on what we expect to occur regarding winter weather and thunderstorms in the coming days.

Another COLD BLAST Coming!

Following unseasonably warm temperatures in the 60s and 70s over the past few days, another cold front will sweep across the state later today into tomorrow, bringing much colder temperatures and the chance for wintry precipitation to parts of the state.  However, unlike the last round of cold, wintry weather, there are three differences with this system.  First, the air will not be as cold when the moisture is in place.  As currently forecasted, daytime highs through the 7-day forecast period will be above freezing, except for northern Oklahoma on Sunday, where highs will only reach the lower-30s.  However, with temperatures above freezing at any time, wintry precipitation will become less of a threat.  Overnight and morning lows will be a different story, and we will cover those more in detail below.  Second, the cold air will not last as long.  Beginning next Tuesday, temperatures will quickly rebound to the 40s, and even the 50s in places farther south.  Therefore, it looks like no white Christmas is in store for any of the state this year (although we are watching a mid-week system that has the potential to deposit some very light snow to extreme northern Oklahoma - we'll have more details on that in a later post).  Third, from the current forecasts, northern Oklahoma will be getting the worst out of this system, with significant icing possible.  As with our past winter weather blog posts, we will detail what you can expect from this system by region.

Two Winter Storms...And It's Not Even Winter Yet!

We have been calling them "winter" storms, but perhaps to be more technical we should have called them "fall" storms.  The winter solstice does not officially begin for a little over a week, but already we have had two winter storms sweep across the state in the past couple of weeks, the second certainly the more drastic of the two.  These storms have been caused by exceptionally strong cold fronts, fueling arctic air from the north, along with upper-level lows, which have provided moisture in the air to support the wintry precipitation.  When forecasting winter weather, cold air and moisture are two of the primary aspects that meteorologists look at.  If either aspect varies just slightly, a forecast could change dramatically.  We will now take a step back in time and examine the two winter storms of the past weeks in depth.

LATEST: Winter Storm Impacting Oklahoma

Winter weather is occurring across southern and eastern Oklahoma and will expand to cover central and parts of northern Oklahoma later this afternoon through tonight.  Here are the latest updates by Oklahoma region on what you can expect from the ongoing winter storm.

UPDATE: Winter Storm Ahead

 

As time progresses are more details are gathered about the impending winter storm, we will now give you an update on what can be expected across the state of Oklahoma in the coming days.  Unlike previous systems, this one could come in two parts, with action happening Thursday and Friday and then again for the weekend.  Additionally, the cold air will not be exiting quickly; many areas of the state are expected to see temperatures well below freezing for the entire 7-day forecast period.  Thus, we again urge you to prepare in advance.  As in our past posts, we will detail what you can expect by region.

Another WINTER STORM on the Horizon

Please be prepared!  Following ice and snow across parts of Oklahoma the weekend before Thanksgiving, we are looking at the potential for another major winter storm to take shape from Thursday through Sunday across the state.  This winter storm has the potential to bring snow and significant icing, prompting travel concerns.  Additionally, temperatures will be unbelievably and dangerously cold.  Again, now is the time to prepare.  As winter weather is difficult to predict, because we must take into account factors such as enough moisture in the air, cold enough temperatures both at the surface and in the upper levels of the atmosphere, and the exact position of the low pressure system, details may still be uncertain or incorrect at this time.  However, we have done our best to detail what you can expect over the next few days by region.  This is a lengthy post, but we have a lot to cover.  Please check back later this week for future blog updates when we are more certain of the exact timing and details of this major storm.

WINTER STORM: Round 2!

Round 1 of the winter storm brought ice and some sleet to a great deal of western and central Oklahoma, coating plants, trees, vehicles, and even some concrete surfaces with a thin layer.  The next of round of the winter storm, beginning tonight and lasting through Monday night, is slated to bring more sleet and snow as the layer of the atmosphere above the surface will be cold enough to keep the precipitation mostly or entirely frozen all the way from the cloud to the surface.  Even still at this time, exact details are not completely certain, but with the recent ice and sub-freezing temperatures, accumulations will be a strong likelihood across western and central Oklahoma when the wintry precipitation falls.  We will now detail the forecast for round 2 of the winter storm by region.  Please note that a WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY is in effect for central and western Oklahoma from 4 AM Sunday to 6 AM CST Monday.

EXCEPTIONAL Cold Front Coming!

Forget the arctic front of last week!  That will seem like almost nothing compared to what is coming.  Another strong cold front will be pushing into the state beginning Thursday afternoon, but this front will be exceptionally strong, and an upper-level low will provide moisture that will lead to our first traces of wintry weather across parts of the state.  Additionally, the cold and wintry weather will be sticking around through early next week, creating a potential mess for your end-of-week and beginning-of-week plans.  We will now detail what you can expect in the coming days by region in Oklahoma.

Up and Down Temperatures

 

Oklahoma's temperatures have truly been all over the place in the past week.  Last weekend, the state enjoyed beautiful fall-like weather with temperatures right around to just above average.  On Monday, temperatures warmed up to the 70s for many parts of the state.  However, a strong arctic cold front blew through Monday evening through Tuesday morning, dropping those pleasant temperatures down to the 30s and 40s for Tuesday, and then to the teens and 20s on Wednesday morning.  Temperatures began to rebound for the rest of the week until this weekend, when southerly winds allowed very warm conditions to occur across all of Oklahoma, especially in the west, where some highs in the 80s were recorded on Saturday.  Earlier this afternoon, the warmth "reversed," and much of eastern Oklahoma, mainly the southeast, experienced the warmest highs of the day, with parts of southeast Oklahoma reaching the mid-80s.  However, the warmth has not lasted.  If you went outside this morning and then have stepped outside recently, you probably noticed a change in the air as temperatures have really started to cool off across the state.  This is the result of yet another cold front that has moved through the state this afternoon and evening, bringing the cooler temperatures along with it.  This cold front will not be like the arctic front of last week, however.  Whereas we are looking at lows Monday morning in the 20s in the panhandle, and 30s to low-40s for the rest of the state, tomorrow's highs will only be about 10 degrees below what they were today, actually putting us to where we should be this time of year.

It's Cold Outside!

The strong arctic front that moved through Oklahoma yesterday evening and early this morning has brought very cold, winter-like temperatures across the state.  Highs today have been anywhere between 20 and 30 degrees below what they were yesterday and are running about 20 degrees below average for mid-November.  The cool weather will remain for the next few days, but by the weekend, temperatures will begin to warm up again.

Arctic BLAST!

The beautiful fall weather Oklahoma experienced this past weekend will be coming to an end tonight and tomorrow.  In its place will be a strong arctic air mass behind a powerful cold front that is currently sweeping southward into the state.  This cold air will be the coldest Oklahoma has experienced this season, so please plan accordingly.

Seasonal Weather on Tap Before Early Week Cool-Down

Happy Friday, and welcome to the weekend!  We hope that you survived the gusty winds today. If traveling tonight on area roads, especially in the east-west directions, make sure you keep two hands on the wheel as the brisk southerly winds will make travels hazardous. Gradually the winds will begin to subside later on tonight, but be careful while driving.

Mild Fall Weather For The Week

With fall weather appearing in the state over the past couple of weeks, it seems like temperatures have hardly dipped into freezing temperatures the past few weeks. For the next seven days besides Wednesday, high temperatures will remain in the mid to high 60s with only slight chances of rain throughout the days.

Fantastic Fall Weekend

Welcome to your Friday OWL blog. Looks like there will be a chilly night in store for Oklahoma, particularly in the panhandle region. A frigid overnight low of 27 degrees in the western portion of the panhandle will be the site of the coldest low in the state tonight. Milder lows can be found in south-central Oklahoma, where lows are expected to be in the mid 40s. Generally, the low temperatures increase the further south and east you are in the state.    

Potential for inclement Autumn weather!

Will Oklahoma experience severe weather in the coming days? Forecasts predict a slight risk, but only time will tell!

The leading edge of a low pressure system in Northwest Oklahoma is preparing to collide with warm, moist air from the Gulf of Mexico, and Oklahoma will be the host for this interaction over the next 24-36 hrs.  Possible conditions include thunderstorms with lightning and hail, and potential for flooding in much of the state.  Although the risk is only considered slight by current predications, it is recommended that residents and travelers in Oklahoma stay updated on weather conditions tomorrow. Preventative measures begin with awareness! Heed advisements from your local officials.

Saturday Showers Before Sunday Sun

As the weekend approaches one can't help but notice the changes in the fall foliage across the state. Today's clearing skies have brought in another reinforcing shot of cool temperatures, but don't be fooled. Slight rain chances have crept into the forecast for the next few days as another weather system begins making its way across the Sooner State.

Average Fall Week

After a chilly start in the mid 40s for Wednesday morning, temperatures will rise quickly during the afternoon hours into the mid to upper 70s across the state. A few 80s in southwestern and western Oklahoma look likely. Due to a high pressure in the area skies will remain mostly clear throughout the day.

FRIGID Temperatures This Morning

As another cold front swept through the state on Friday, bringing rather gloomy conditions to end the week, the clouds cleared overnight, with winds becoming calm.  As a result, many areas of the state recorded freezing to sub-freezing temperatures this morning.  One of these areas included Oklahoma City, in which the temperature briefly dropped to the freezing mark early in the day.

Cold Again...With Frost This Time

As many of you have probably noticed, another low has passed through Friday, bringing more rain and cold weather. For the past few weeks, the Oklahoma area has continued to see a weekly cold front that consistently appears sometime between Thursday and Saturday. Right now, it is about 6:00 p.m. and the cold front is currently slightly ahead of Interstate 44. In areas where the front has come through, the temperatures are in the low to mid-40's, and ahead of the front in the southeastern portions of the state temperatures are still in the upper-50's and low-60's. As the front moves through the southeast part of the state, expect these temperatures to decrease. 

Blast of Fall Air

Last weekend through early this week, an upper-level low moved over the state of Oklahoma, which was then followed by a strong cold front.  Together, these systems brought beneficial rainfall to the state as well as significantly colder temperatures which were more reminiscent of mid-November than mid-October.  While skies have cleared today, more rain is expected on Friday with the passage of yet another upper-level trough and cold front.  More significantly, however, is a weather pattern change that will bring long-lasting fall-like temperatures after the next front passes through the state.

Fall Weather Leaves?

What does this week's weather look like?  Are rain chances going up this weekend? Weak frontal movement is expected to bring with it a chance of showers.

Stormy Start to a Cool Weekend

After a relatively calm start to the work week, mother nature has decided to shake things up a bit as the weekend approaches. Tropical Storm Karen is slowly churning itself northward with an expected landfall near the Alabama Gulf coast this weekend while at the same time a vigorous low pressure system is spiraling out of the Rockies ushering in blizzard-like conditions for folks in across the upper midwest. With Oklahoma sandwiched between these two massive storm systems, it means only one thing for folks across the Sooner State...severe weather. The ingredients are here--let the show begin!

Yet Another Cold Front Expected for Weekend

As indicated by the above graphic, there is a central divide in the country's weather conditions.  To the right of the divide the air is relatively moist while to the left, or behind, the divide there is very dry air.  This divide denotes a frontal system moving easterly across the United States.  Oklahoma should expect to experience products of this front as we move into the weekend, including temperature drops and pleasant outdoor conditions.

Cold Front Brings Fall-Like Weather, Beneficial Rainfall

The season of fall has arrived.  For Oklahoma, this typically means weekly cold fronts that not only knock temperatures down some 10 to 20 degrees but also bring widespread, beneficial rainfall to what is currently a drought-stricken state.  Such was the case with Saturday's cold front, which slowly pushed across the state from early Saturday morning through Sunday morning, bringing widespread showers and thunderstorms.  Rainfall amounts ranged anywhere from less than half-an-inch to over 3 inches in some areas.  The Mesonet map above shows the totals recorded during the passage of the front.

Wet Weekend on the Way

It's been a long, dry week, but you better get your rain boots and umbrella ready! As the weekend arrives, so do some healthy chances for rain for most of the Sooner State. Today's brisk, southerly winds have begun pumping warmer, moist air into the region, allowing the atmosphere to ripen with moisture which translates into some pretty decent rain chances statewide.

Roller Coaster of Temperatures to End the Week

The current weather picture shows moderate winds from the northwest. This is thanks to high pressure near the Oklahoma panhandle and a low pressure to the northeast. These two interactions are causing the moderate winds we are experiencing today. We are basically experiencing the "Santa Ana" winds that California experiences from time to time.

Fall Finally Arrives

This weekend not only promises pleasant skies, but also marks the official start to the 2013 fall season!  The late-week cold front brought some welcome rain to many residents across the state. Over the last 2 days, most areas saw anywhere from a light sprinkle to heavy rains. As you can see from the graphic below, residents of Broken Bow in southeast Oklahoma saw nearly 2.5" of rain while those further west near Hollis, OK saw barely 0.02".

Cold Front on the Horizon



The current radar picture shows a cluster of showers and thunderstorms across portions of southwestern Oklahoma. The movement of this cluster of storms is to the northeast and we can expect to get a bit of this in Norman later today into tonight. 

Warm Weekend Before a Wet Start to Next Week

Through the rest of the evening, rain chances will mainly be confined to the western and southwestern portions of the state while areas further east will remain mostly dry. The cool front that made its way through the state yesterday will continue to sag further south toward the Red River region.

Heat Relief Coming Soon?

Ready for a cool down? The past two weeks of September have been fairly hot and has most people ready for the cool temperatures associated with fall. Is there any hope of these cool temperatures any time soon? Keep reading for your answer!

OKC Ties Hottest Day of Year Saturday

Yes, we are still in the summer season.  Today marks the beginning of "meteorological fall," although the autumnal equinox does not officially begin for another few weeks on Sunday, September 22.  However, as we mentioned in a previous blog post, the "peak" of summer for Oklahoma City and surrounding cities in Oklahoma is from the last couple of weeks in July to about the first week in August.  This means that the average high temperature is its highest during this three-week time frame.  Therefore, if on track for an average year, the highs should really be getting cooler.  But, as we all know, weather in Oklahoma is usually far from average.  Parallel to this, the state baked towards the end of last week as the result of a short heat wave.  How hot did it get?  Continue reading to find out.

Temperatures WILL Rise, Hot Start to Weekend

Due to increased cloud cover from an upper-level low situated over southern Texas the past couple of days, high temperatures across Oklahoma were slightly cooler than previously forecasted.  However, with a pattern change ahead, bringing a ridge of high pressure to the region, high temperatures will be on the rise through the early weekend.  Combining this with high humidity levels, which may have fooled you into thinking the highs over the past few days were warmer than they actually were, we are looking at a warm start to the Labor Day weekend.  Therefore, spending time out by the pool or lake would probably be a good idea this weekend.  However, no matter where you are spending your time this weekend, even if near a body of water, if you are outside, then stay hydrated!

Turning HOT This Week

2013 seems to be a year of procrastination for the seasons.  Remember how the beginning of May started off with temperatures in the 40s across Oklahoma, how late severe weather season "officially" began, and how we seem to be off to a slow start with a predicted above-average Atlantic hurricane season?  Now here we are, less than a month away from the end of summer, with average temperatures supposed to be slowly decreasing.  However, the forecast shows just the opposite, due to a strong upper-level ridge in place over the region.  High temperatures will be unusually warm for at least the next seven days, with some high humidity levels as well.  Additionally, a healthy chance of rain is not in sight for the foreseeable future across the state, which is providing a danger to the return of extreme and exceptional drought conditions.  With the exception of a few pop-up afternoon showers here and there over the past week, the state has remained relatively dry since last Thursday evening and Friday morning when a bow echo dove southward across Oklahoma from Kansas.  These hot and dry conditions we have been enduring recently and will endure for at least the next week are more typical of an Oklahoma summer, something we should have experienced for the month of July and early August.  So, again, we are officially getting our "summer," albeit a little late to the game once again.

Rainfall Update

With all the recent rains, perhaps you are wondering how we are doing in terms of our current totals and, more significantly, the drought.  The latest drought monitor shows some significant improvement across a lot of the state, but rain-free days in the forecast ahead may not be a welcoming sign.  In this blog post, we will look at the current month-to-date totals across the state and then examine the drought.

ALERT: Severe Storms, Flash Flooding Possible Tonight

A slow-moving to stationary frontal boundary is expected to bring flooding rains to northern and central Oklahoma from tonight through Tuesday afternoon and evening as it tracks southward.  We already have rain in eastern Oklahoma that is slowly pushing eastward out of the state, but more storms are expected to develop later this afternoon.  The FLASH FLOOD WATCH has been expanded to include new counties in central and northwest Oklahoma, including Oklahoma County.  This is in effect until late Tuesday night.  The original watch remains in effect for numerous counties in northeast, north central, and parts of southeast Oklahoma through Tuesday evening.  Heavy rain is a strong likelihood with the storms but so is severe weather, including damaging wind gusts and large hail.  Please be alert for the next couple of days, especially if you have outdoor plans.  Flooding is very dangerous.  Remember: Turn Around, Don't Drown!

Dog Days Are Over

You probably know the saying (and maybe even the song), but could it be true?  The past couple of weeks have been filled with all kinds of weather: more extreme heat and strong to severe thunderstorms bringing beneficial, but in some cases flooding, rains to parts of the state, especially northern Oklahoma.  As we look to the forecast for the week ahead, we will continue to see rain chances through next weekend with more severe weather possible early in the week.  However, the biggest story will be a relief from the heat as a relatively strong summer cold front pushes through the state by mid-week.  Therefore, as students prepare to go back to school this week and next, temperatures should be on the cooler side, although rain may be a complicating factor for move-in plans.

Following Monday's Storms, More Possible Ahead

A large complex of strong to severe thunderstorms developed in southern Kansas yesterday evening and pushed southeastward into the state of Oklahoma, bringing tremendous amounts of rainfall to parts of northern and central Oklahoma.  For this afternoon, we may see more developing showers and thunderstorms ahead of a surface cold front pushing towards the southeast, though chances are not as great as yesterday.  Although the severe potential is lower overall, some storms may still turn severe with strong wind gusts to 60 mph and quarter-size hail.  After today, slight chances for showers and thunderstorms remain for at least the next seven days across various parts of the state, with hot and humid conditions across the entire state.  Heat indices may be well into the 100s as early as tomorrow afternoon.  Please remember your heat safety tips!

ALERT: Flash Flooding, Severe Weather Possible

It may seem as though we are returning to a spring-like pattern.  A warm front will lift north later this afternoon, with storms firing ahead, or north, of the warm front.  With daytime heating and a moist air mass, also with a limited capping inversion, instability in the atmosphere will be prominent, leading to development of supercell thunderstorms.  These supercells will bring the threats of hail, damaging winds, and, yes, even tornadoes.  After developing, they will push eastward and come together, leading to a significant flash flood threat.  We urge you to be alert this afternoon and evening.  Storms are already firing up across central Oklahoma.

Showers, Thunderstorms Bring Much-Needed Rainfall

Over the past week, showers and thunderstorms, some producing flooding rains, have impacted a great deal of the state.  Last Sunday, northeast Oklahoma was pounded with heavy rainfall, and on Friday, parts of western, central, and eastern Oklahoma picked up tremendous rainfall amounts.  Scattered thunderstorms throughout the week also brought more rain to parts of the state in the days in between.  For today, rain chances will diminish and be concentrated mostly in northwest Oklahoma.  On Sunday and Monday, the chance for rain becomes greater in northern Oklahoma and expands farther south across the state.  We have a forecast for the coming days as well as a look back on how much rainfall was picked up over the past week below.

RECAP: Upper-Level Low Brings Rain, Cool Temperatures

At the early part of the week, an upper-level low retrograded from the Northeast United States/Ohio Valley region towards the Central and Southwest United States.  The result was beneficial rainfall and significantly cooler temperatures for parts of the Southern Plains, including central and western Oklahoma.  While an upper low retrograding - that is, moving from east to west, which is opposite of the typical west-east movement of weather in North America - is not unheard of, it usually only happens a few times a year and moreover, typically not during summer.  Our normal summer pattern in the Southern Plains is a dominating dome of high pressure, leading to rain-free days and nights, high temperatures well into the 90s and 100s, and sometimes high humidity levels leading to heat indices in the upper-100s.  But while the upper-level low moved westward across the country this week, a typical summer pattern was far from the case in the Southern Plains.  On the contrary, an upper-level high "replaced" the upper-level low in the Northeast and Midwest United States, leading to a tremendous heat wave this week for those parts of the nation.

Slim Rain Chances Today, Warming Up

Following a couple of days with a large swath of rainfall across central and western Oklahoma and a couple more days with scattered strong to severe thunderstorms across the state, we still have slight chances for showers and thunderstorms this afternoon.  However, chances are very slight - at no more than 20% - and will be confined primarily to southwest, south central, and southeast Oklahoma only.  The rest of the state will see mainly sunny skies.  A warming trend is also in store for this afternoon and the coming days, with high temperatures back in the 90s.  As an expanding dome of high pressure, responsible for bringing a tremendous heat wave to a great deal of the Eastern and Midwestern United States, creeps into Oklahoma, we will be dealing with humid conditions again today in central and eastern Oklahoma.  The humid conditions will result in high heat indices.  Please remember your heat safety and try to limit or avoid outdoor activity.

Scattered Showers, Storms Continue Today

An upper-level low that moved from the Ohio Valley to the central Plains on Sunday and Monday is now situated over New Mexico.  The low will move towards the south-southwest into Mexico by Thursday.  The result will be continued scattered showers and thunderstorms across parts of the state, mainly the central and west, today.  However, rain chances are not as high as yesterday.  By Friday, all of the state should remain relatively dry.  Come the weekend, we will see the return of isolated to scattered showers and thunderstorms across the state.  Temperatures will be on a steady rise through the weekend and finally be back to normal or near normal by Friday.

Rain Pushes West With Low

As the upper-level low pushes off to the west, so does the rain.  Central and eastern Oklahoma may see a chance for light rain or a lingering thunderstorm through this afternoon, but otherwise skies will remain partly to mostly cloudy in these regions.  Temperatures will also begin to warm up, especially if the sun is able to come out.  In western Oklahoma and the panhandle, a solid chance for rain continues through the afternoon and evening hours with skies remaining generally cloudy.

Another Day of Rain, Cool Temperatures

As the upper-level low continues its southwesterly track, rain showers and thunderstorms will continue to rotate in a counterclockwise direction around it.  Most of the rain from this system has fallen in central Oklahoma, but western Oklahoma has picked up some rain as well.  Oklahoma City's Will Rogers World Airport has picked up over 3 inches of rain so far and is still expected to see more.  Below we have a list of 48-hour rainfall totals across select Oklahoma cities.  Off and on rain will continue through Wednesday before the low finally pushes out of the area.  Below-average temperatures will also continue until this time, mainly for central and western Oklahoma.

Upper-Level Low Brings Rain, Cool Temperatures

For most Oklahomans, today does not feel like a typical mid-July day.  An usually strong, westward-moving upper-level low situated over far southwest Missouri is bringing beneficial rainfall and significantly cooler temperatures for central and western Oklahoma, as well as parts of Texas and Kansas.  So far in Oklahoma, the rain has been concentrated mainly in the center of the state, beginning early this morning.  Oklahoma City's Will Rogers World Airport has already picked up over 1.5 inches of rain and is expected to receive more today.  The heaviest of the rainfall will continue to push westward with the low, so drought-stricken areas in western Oklahoma should receive the much-needed rainfall beginning later this afternoon and evening.  Rainfall totals for Oklahoma from this system are expected to be highest in the central and southwest parts of the state.  Overall, most of the rain will fall in north central Texas, west of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex.  As a significant contrast, eastern Oklahoma has a more slim chance of seeing rainfall from this system; in fact, skies in the far east are mainly sunny.  Temperatures in the east are also on the warm side, currently in the mid-to-upper-80s.  Redeveloping showers and storms are still possible in the east over the coming days, so stay alert.

Change is Coming!

Tired of the heat?  Desperate for rain?  Have we got some news for you!  Beginning tomorrow, an unusually powerful upper-level low will retrograde - that is, move from east to west - towards the Southwest part of the nation from the Northeast.  We know that weather patterns tend to move from west to east in the Northern Hemisphere, so while one that moves from east to west is not unheard of, it is certainly not common, especially this time of year.  This low is expected to track right through the middle of the state, bringing central Oklahoma the most drastic changes.  High temperature drops of near 20 degrees and a healthy amount of rainfall can be expected starting Sunday and lasting through mid-week, especially for central and western Oklahoma.  But, of course, today we must deal with our last day of heat.

Heat Ongoing Through Saturday

Today is expected to be another hot day across Oklahoma, with high temperatures ranging anywhere between the mid-90s in the east to the mid-100s in the west.  A HEAT ADVISORY remains in effect until 7 PM CDT this evening for parts of eastern Oklahoma, including the cities of Tulsa and McAlester.  Heat indices will be as high as 105 degrees in the areas under the advisory.  Though the heat advisory has been scaled back from yesterday, heat indices will still be between 100 and 105 degrees across central Oklahoma, so we encourage you to continue to limit or avoid outdoor activities today.  In addition to the heat, an AIR QUALITY ALERT is in effect today for counties including or surrounding Oklahoma's largest cities.  This air quality alert is for high concentrations of ozone near the ground.  Please avoid being outdoors today if you suffer from respiratory problems.

Dangerous Heat Rages On

Though afternoon high temperatures will be slightly "cooler" for some of you, high humidity levels persist, leading to dangerous heat indices between 105 and 110 degrees.  A new HEAT ADVISORY has been issued for counties in central and eastern Oklahoma until 7 AM Saturday.  Therefore, we continue to urge you to be prepared for extreme heat and limit or avoid outdoor activities through the end of this week.  In addition to the heat, isolated strong to severe thunderstorms are again a possibility this afternoon due to an unstable environment.  Please remain weather aware.