Turning Colder, With More Rain

UPDATE 4/1/13: Severe weather is possible across southwest Oklahoma this evening. The Storm Prediction Center has initiated a slight risk for severe thunderstorms. To see the latest convective outlooks from the SPC, CLICK HERE. A severe thunderstorm watch has already been issued for northwest Texas and the southern part of the Texas panhandle. The watch also includes a sliver of southwest Oklahoma and may be adjusted appropriately based on the track of the severe weather.

Wet Weather Continues Through Weekend

Ah, spring has arrived! Thunderstorms, along with milder temperatures, are already encompassing most of the state this afternoon and are expected to continue through the weekend and into early next week. Then, of course, a cold front follows, bringing a couple of days of winter-like temperatures before finally recovering by the end of the week. But that is still a few days out, so we will now focus on the weather across Oklahoma for your Easter weekend.

Warming Up, With Rain By Late Week

Unseasonably cold temperatures have plagued Oklahoma over the past few days. For some returning spring breakers, a harsh reality check played out as highs sank into the 30s and 40s. This was all due to a strong cold front associated with a trough, or dip in the jet stream, allowing arctic air from the north to sweep down into the state. Thankfully, as the jet stream begins to move further north, a warm-up is in store for the remainder of the week, allowing spring-like temperatures to return in time for the weekend. However, the warm temperatures may come with a price. We are also expecting a wet weekend as showers and thunderstorms develop by late week.

WINTER HOLDS ON!

Spring may have arrived last week, but the wrath of winter will hang on for the next few days as a strong low pressure system and cold front advance across the state. High and low temperatures running some 10 to 20 degrees below average will stay in place over all of Oklahoma through the early work week. Some snow is even expected in the northernmost part of the state. So for any spring breakers who are returning today or tomorrow, be sure to pack your winter gear because you are going to need it!

COLD BLAST!

We hope you took advantage of the much warmer temperatures and were able to get the most out of them for the past few days because, unfortunately, they will be disappearing as we head into Sunday and the beginning of the work week. A cold front moving slowly southward across Oklahoma will bring drastic temperature drops to the state. The position of the front is already noticeable, as the current temperatures as of 4:30 PM CDT are in the 50s up north and the 80s in the south. To track this front and see the temperature gradient, you can visit the Oklahoma Mesonet.

Warm, Then Cool

 

Following an unseasonably warm day today with highs in the 70s and low-80s across Oklahoma, temperatures will become even warmer on Friday before cooling off by the weekend. The cooler weather will be quite a reality check. Even though today’s highs were quite spring-like and have probably been a welcome change from the cold weather to start the week, the high temperatures for today and tomorrow are actually running between 15 and 20 degrees above average. However, if you are just tired of cool weather, then you will not have to wait long for a warm-up to return, though the 80s are not in sight past tomorrow.

Steady Warm-Up This Week

Could this be winter’s last stand? Judging by the forecast for the upcoming week, that thought is possible. Following unseasonably cold highs with strong northerly winds on Sunday, temperatures will warm up some 30 to 40 degrees across all of the state by Friday! So get ready for the arrival of spring, whose “official” start date is right around the corner.

LATEST: Severe Weather Threat Today

The Storm Prediction Center has extended the area for a slight risk of severe thunderstorms to encompass south central and southeast Oklahoma. You can get the most up-to-date outlook from the SPC by clicking here. In the highlighted area, expect severe thunderstorms to fire up this afternoon and last through midnight. Primary risks include hail up to half-dollar size and damaging winds gusting to over 60 mph. Please be alert if you live in the affected area, and have a plan for when severe weather strikes.

Wet Weather This Weekend

The state has been dry for quite a while, but that is all about to change come tonight. A low pressure system will move across the state beginning tonight and lasting through the weekend, mainly on Saturday. Showers and thunderstorms, followed by much cooler temperatures on Sunday due to the cold front behind the low, will result from this weather system. We are even watching out for some strong to severe thunderstorms in western Oklahoma tonight.

Warming Up Thursday, Friday

If you are ready for the end of winter and did not like the cold front that passed through on Monday night, bringing the return of 40s and 50s for highs and sub-freezing lows across the state, then we have good news for you. A brief warm-up is in store as we head into Thursday and Friday. This will then be followed by another approaching low pressure system and cold front from the west which will bring us a wet weekend and colder temperatures by the start of next week. But that is still a few days out, so we will focus now on what is going to happen for the next couple of days.

Cold Air Invades Tuesday, Wednesday

Much of the state enjoyed spring-like temperatures on Sunday and Monday. Unfortunately, those pleasantly warm highs will vanish for the next couple of days as a strong cold front has brought the return of winter-like temperatures. The cold front is currently working its way towards the southeast across Oklahoma, bringing not only colder temperatures but also strong, gusty winds from the north.

Spring-Like Weather on the Way Sunday, Monday

Following the winter storm of this past week, temperatures have been unseasonably cool across the state. Well, we have some good news and some bad news for you. The good news is that most of the state should see a warm-up with spring-like temperatures come Sunday. Further towards the south, the warm temperatures will stay through Monday. So beware that of that spring fever that may overtake you!