ATTENTION: Severe Weather Possible This Week

Springtime is here in Oklahoma!  Temperatures have warmed up, and we are closely monitoring the possibility of severe weather across the state on Tuesday through Thursday as the result of a stalled warm front near southern Oklahoma that will slowly lift northward through central Oklahoma and a dryline that will set up across western Oklahoma and slowly push eastward throughout the week.  With plenty of moisture and some surface heating, enough instability will be provided in the atmosphere to cause severe thunderstorms to fire up.  As this has the potential to be our first significant severe outbreak of the year, we want you to be prepared and have a plan when severe weather strikes. 

Spring Weather Returns to Oklahoma

After what has seemed like a never ending winter, the weather is finally beginning to resemble spring time.  Today's temperatures in the low to middle 60s are near average for late March.  Some areas of eastern Oklahoma are also experiencing thunderstorms that have produced large hail. The next five days will continue to feature spring weather throughout Oklahoma and bring a chance for severe weather during the middle of next week.   

Possible Rain on the Eve of Spring Break

While everyone in Oklahoma enjoys the calm warm weather, residents should expect some fluctuation starting tonight and moving into the weekend. Hopefully your spring break went well, because some colder weather is on the way.

Expect a Rainy Weekend Before Spring Break

Although right now temperatures are warm and pleasant, expect a rainy weekend (especially Saturday) before spring break. Currently temperatures are in the mid to upper 60's for most of the state, with low 70's along areas near highway 44. This is caused by a cold front moving in through the state from the northwest, which is now closing in on the central part of the state. There are some high winds in the western part of the state, which will help contribute towards today's fire danger. There are some patchy clouds in the southeast, as well as the southwest, but as of now most of the state is seeing clear skies.

Warm Weather Will Not Last

It's a beautiful day today!  Oklahoma City, currently sitting at 81 degrees, has officially recorded its first 80-degree day since October 11, 2013 - exactly five months ago.  A great deal of the state has had highs reach the 80s today, with one exception: northwest Oklahoma and the panhandle.  Now comes the bad news.  We hated to be blunt in our title, but unfortunately the truth is that the passage of a cold front later this evening will bring an end to the above-average, late-springlike temperatures we have been experiencing over the past couple of days.  The front is already passing through the state and has reached the panhandle and northwest Oklahoma, accounting for the cooler temperatures.  The good news is that we are not expecting any wintry weather or maximum temperatures in the 30s, but do expect highs across most of the state at this time tomorrow to be 20 to 30 degrees cooler than they were today.

Special Story: Below Average...Since October!

For Oklahoma City and Tulsa (and their respective metro areas), the past several months have been two things: cool and dry.  For both cities, February marked the fifth consecutive month with an average observed monthly temperature finishing below normal and, for Oklahoma City, the sixth consecutive month with total monthly precipitation finishing below normal, while for Tulsa the seventh consecutive month with total monthly precipitation finishing below normal.  It may be hard to believe that we're talking about such a rainfall deficit since 2013 marked the second wettest year on record for Oklahoma City, with 52.78 inches of rainfall recorded.  Unfortunately, most of that precipitation was picked up in the first half of the year.  However, Tulsa on the other hand finished 7.88 inches below the normal precipitation last year, with only 33.09 inches being recorded, and is therefore desperate for rain.

Winter Weather Tonight and Saturday, but then Spring!

While conditions are pleasant right now, some more winter weather is on its way for tonight and early  Saturday. Fortunately for Oklahomans, it won't be nearly as bad as the storm last weekend, and temperatures will quickly recover into the glorious 70's early next week.

Gloomy Week Ahead. EXCEPT FRIDAY!!!

Just when you thought the winter weather was over, a cold arctic blast blew through this past Sunday, with 2 inches of ice recorded in some places. But don't put your winter clothes away yet!  We expect more wintry weather on the way for tomorrow. A 40% chance of wintry mix tomorrow afternoon and freezing rain or snow is posable tomorrow night for the north and central part of Oklahoma.  Don't worry, as this weather shouldn't stay much longer.  On Friday temperatures are suppose to be in the 60s!  This weekend looks like it will be a gloomy one with Saturday and Sunday both being cloudy with temperatures between the upper-40s and lower-50s. Saturday will have a 50% chance of rain, and on Sunday there will be a 20% chance of rain.

UPDATE: Complex Winter Storm to Impact Oklahoma

Even though the "meteorological spring" has officially begun, a winter storm is poised to strike a great portion of the central and eastern United States, including Oklahoma.  In addition to the winter weather will be bitterly cold temperatures with biting wind chills through the start of the work week.  So find that winter coat, the gloves, and anything else to keep warm; you're going to need them!