Similar to what occurred a couple of weeks ago, we will be seeing another dramatic pattern shift as a strong cold front ushers in cooler temperatures and a decent chance for rain across the state. The best timing for rain will be later tonight, through Wednesday and Wednesday night, and into Thursday morning. Rain will then taper off from west to east, and skies will clear up by Friday and remain generally clear through the weekend.
The potential for heavy rainfall is a concern across the panhandle and parts of northwest and central Oklahoma. For this reason, a FLASH FLOOD WATCH is in effect for numerous counties across these regions of the state through Wednesday evening. Rainfall totals in the counties that are under the watch could range from 2 to 4 inches and could fall in a short amount of time. Flash flooding is dangerous, especially to drivers, so have a plan now. Remember: turn around, don't drown! Areas not included in the watch may also see high rainfall totals. All Oklahoma residents need to be alert for a flash flooding potential over the next couple of days.
Rain chances are highest tonight across northwest Oklahoma and the panhandle at 80 percent or greater. While thunder and lightning may accompany the rain at times, we are expecting more of a steady rainfall, especially across northwest Oklahoma. The rain could fall heavy at times, so please be cautious. Heavier rain will begin to move east into central and eventually eastern Oklahoma later tonight into tomorrow. Low temperatures will fall to the mid-to-upper-60s for the most part, with a few low-70s possible in the far south central portion of the state.
Wednesday will be a wet day for central and northern Oklahoma, with an 80 percent or greater chance for a steady rain that could fall heavy at times. Thunder and lightning are also possible. The steadier rainfall will move into eastern Oklahoma later in the morning. While rain chances are lesser for southern Oklahoma during the day on Wednesday, occasional showers and thunderstorms are still possible for this area throughout the day. High temperatures may reach the 80s across southwestern Oklahoma, but across the rest of the state, they'll be reminiscent of fall and not break out of the 70s.
Wednesday night brings the higher rain chances from central and south central Oklahoma eastward. Some heavy rainfall may occur at times, along with occasional thunder and lightning. Low will plummet to the 50s in the panhandle and range in the 60s elsewhere across the state. For Thursday, rain will begin to taper off from west to east, with lingering showers and thunderstorms possible mainly in the morning. After this point, skies will slowly begin to clear, and Friday looks to be mostly sunny across the state. High temperatures on Thursday and Friday will still remain well-below average in the 70s and 80s.
The highest rainfall totals will be concentrated in central and southeastern Oklahoma, ironically where the rain isn't needed as badly. But we may still see some higher amounts across northwestern Oklahoma where rain would certainly be a good sign. The rainfall totals are valid through Thursday night and are subject to change between now and then.AC
Sources: NWS, WPC, Mesonet, Google Images (photo)
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