Here Comes Winter!

It may be warm now, but later this evening a strong cold front will surge through the state, and temperatures will take a 40 to 50 degree nosedive behind the arctic front.  That's right.  Highs in the 70s and 80s across the state today will be replaced by highs in the 30s tomorrow.  A chance for wintry precipitation is also possible Sunday night into Monday morning and Monday night into Tuesday morning.  Models are generally showing the presence of moisture and the best chances for wintry precipitation in eastern and south central Oklahoma.  However, parts of central Oklahoma, including the Oklahoma City metro area, may pick up on some wintry precipitation as well.

TRACK THE COLD FRONT
Note: These images are directly linked to the Mesonet and will update every 5 minutes.

 
This cold front is taking a slightly different track than what we are used to.  Often times cold fronts will push from west to east, bringing coldest temperatures to the panhandle first, followed by western Oklahoma, and eventually eastern Oklahoma.  This front will first bring the cool temperatures to northeast Oklahoma, then take more of a southward track as opposed to an west-east track.  Nevertheless, the front will eventually pass through the entire state by midnight tonight.  Behind the front will be colder temperatures and brisk northerly winds.  So if you plan to head out tonight, dust off that winter coat, and take it out of the closet.  You're going to need it again!

Winter weather is a possibility with moisture and colder air in place.  The areas most likely to see wintry precipitation will be eastern and south central Oklahoma.  Due to the cold air not being in place very long before the moisture arrives, any wintry precipitation which falls will be freezing rain and sleet, as opposed to snow.  This poses an icing threat.  The National Weather Service offices in Norman and Tulsa have issued a WINTER STORM WATCH Sunday evening through Monday morning for counties across south central and southeastern Oklahoma.  This watch outlines the potential hazards of up to a quarter inch of ice accumulation and an inch of sleet accumulation.   Please continue to monitor the forecast closely.  If you plan to travel during this time, be ready to make alternate arrangements if necessary.

On Sunday, highs across most of Oklahoma with the exception of north central and northeast Oklahoma are expected to reach a few degrees above freezing.  Drizzle and light rain will begin in central and eastern Oklahoma after noon.  Temperatures will then fall slowly, and once they reach the sub-freezing mark Sunday evening, wintry precipitation will be possible.  Again, the best chance for wintry precipitation will be across south central and eastern Oklahoma where the Winter Storm Watch is currently in effect.  Rain will change to freezing rain Sunday evening and last through Monday morning.  Some sleet may also mix in after midnight.  In central Oklahoma, light freezing rain with light sleet is possible during this time frame.  As outlined in the watch, ice accumulations may reach a quarter of an inch across southeastern Oklahoma, with sleet accumulations nearing one inch across all of eastern Oklahoma.  Central Oklahoma may see ice accumulations near a tenth of an inch, with little to no sleet accumulation.  Western Oklahoma is not expected to see any major accumulations of ice or sleet.

The second round of wintry precipitation comes Monday night into Tuesday morning.  Full details of this round of winter weather are not completely known, and chances are low at this time.  However, areas from western to central Oklahoma may see some snowfall.  Please check back with the latest forecasts as further details arrive.

AC

Sources: NWS, Mesonet, HOOT, TwisterData