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.


Currently, temperatures are in the mid 70's throughout much of central and eastern Oklahoma.  Parts of the southwest are into the mid 80's and areas in northwest Oklahoma and the panhandle are down as low as 58.  This temperature gradient is indicative of the frontal boundary that is currently positioned over the northwest of the state.  Winds are generally out of the south at 10-15 mph for central and eastern Oklahoma, while lighter winds in the northwest and panhandle are blowing at around 5 mph out of the northwest.  After a day of limited rainfall thus far, the radar is showing pockets of precipitation is western and north-central parts of Oklahoma.  Chances for rain and moderate winds increase into the overnight hours.

Tomorrow will bring the highest risk for hazardous weather conditions.  Thunderstorms are likely for much of the state, with a probability for incident up around 70 %.  High temperatures are expected to be in the low-70's in all areas except the extreme southwest, where temperatures could reach as high as the mid-70's.  Winds will be expected to increase into midday tomorrow, with sustained speeds of 20+ mph likely out of the south/southeast.  Heavy rainfall, in excess of one-half inch is probable for a large portion of central and eastern Oklahoma. 

Thursday will see increasingly clear conditions move across the state.  Areas in eastern Oklahoma could still experience accumulated rainfall in amounts over one-tenth of an inch.  With an already soaked ground, the conditions for flash flooding could persist for these areas during the day Thursday.  High temperatures are expected around 70 for central parts of the state, while the panhandle could be as low as 63 and the southeast could rise as high as the upper-70's.  Winds will shift from the south to the northwest as the day progresses, with the whole of the state likely to be under calming, northwesterly conditions by dusk.  Areas in southwestern Oklahoma will have the highest risk for wind hazards, with midday gusts that could be in excess of 30 mph.

Friday brings more pleasant conditions statewide.  High temperatures expected to be in the low-70's for most of the state, while areas in the northwest and panhandle are forecasted to only reach as high as the low-60's.  With the passage of the frontal boundary, the sky cover will be mostly clear for Oklahoma; the probability for lingering rain is very low.  Winds will be predominantly out the west with a potential to turn variable late in the day for areas in the western part of the state.  Expect clear and mild conditions heading into the weekend.


Images and information courtesy of: Mesonet, NOAA