Drought Buster? Not Exactly.

An upper-level low slowly moved across the southern Plains these past several days, bringing much-needed rainfall to Oklahoma and surrounding states.  Due to the scattered nature of the showers and thunderstorms that this system brought, the rainfall totals varied widely across the state.  The highest rainfall amounts were across drought-stricken western Oklahoma.  Unfortunately, even with all this rain, a great deal of the state is still in a drought, with exceptional drought still present in parts of western Oklahoma.

Thunderstorm Chances Continue for Oklahoma

Over the past few days, much-needed rainfall has fallen over portions of the state, especially drought-stricken western Oklahoma, as the result of a very slow-moving low pressure system.  As this system continues to drag eastward, thunderstorm chances will continue throughout the week, albeit the chance for thunderstorms will diminish by mid-week.  The best chance for rain will be on Monday and Tuesday, where heavy rainfall is possible with some storms, especially on Monday night.

Rain Soaks Western Oklahoma, More to Come

 

Much-needed rain has fallen over western Oklahoma and the panhandle this morning and afternoon.  The rain will continue to push eastward later today and tonight.  This will not be our only chance for rain; in fact, rain is in the forecast across the entire state for the next seven days, though chances diminish after mid-week.  Our best chance for rain will be in the latter part of the weekend to the early part of next week.  Unfortunately, this does include Memorial Day, so some of your outdoor holiday plans could be a washout.

Beneficial Rainfall Coming to Oklahoma

As a slow-moving low pressure system arrives from the west, signs are pointing to a good chance for all of Oklahoma and the surrounding southern Plains states to receive a good deal of rainfall over the next several days.  The highest rainfall totals are expected in areas which need the rain most, namely western Oklahoma and adjacent north Texas.  While all of this rain will certainly not be enough to completely wipe away the worsening drought conditions in these areas, it will certainly help alleviate the drought for the time being.  This will be welcoming news as more than one-third of the state is now in the exceptional drought category.

Severe Weather Follows Year's First Heat Wave



As a strong ridge of high pressure set up over the Plains earlier this week, most of Oklahoma and the entire southern Plains baked, with high temperatures rising to the 90s and even 100s across parts of western Oklahoma.  In many cases, this heat was record-breaking, as Oklahoma City faired three consecutive days of record highs Sunday through Tuesday when afternoon temperatures soared into the 90s.  The heat became more tame after a cold front pushed through the area, bringing a round of severe thunderstorms Wednesday night into Thursday morning.  Today, we are sitting generally around average for this time of year, with highs expected to reach the low-80s across the state.  Another heat wave will arrive this weekend, though, and then be quickly be replaced by significantly cooler weather come Monday and Tuesday as a powerful cold front pushes through the state.  Severe weather will be possible ahead of the front.

Oklahoma's First Heat Wave is on the Way

After a week of cool temperatures, rain, and severe weather across the country, Oklahoma will now experience extremely hot and dry conditions for the weekend and into next week. While today the high was only in the mid 70's, Sunday and onward will see high temperatures well into the 90's, and possibly up to 100 for some areas of Oklahoma.