Warm Weekend, Then a Chance of Storms.

Been a mighty cool start to the month of April and so far this month temperatures are running more than 9 degrees below normal. That is changing for the next few days before another significant cool-down arrives along about the middle of the coming week. In the meantime, enjoy the very spring-like temperatures we will be having this weekend.

After starting off nearly 20 degrees warmer this morning than yesterday morning, look for temperatures this afternoon to be reaching well into the 70s. Gusty southerly winds will also aid the warm-up but it will be hampered to a certain extent by an extensive layer of mid-high level cloudiness. However, at the surface, moisture remains limited for today but that will be changing over the next couple of days.

The gusty southerly winds will be diminishing for tonight but together with mostly cloudy skies will keep overnight lows very mild with temperatures starting Sunday morning in the 50s to near 60. Sunday afternoon will see gusty southerly winds redeveloping but still with mostly cloudy skies so daytime highs will be in the low-mid 70s most likely.

Monday and Tuesday will see even stronger southerly winds, partly cloudy to mostly cloudy skies, and very spring-like temperatures with morning lows near 60 and daytime highs well into the 70s. However, low level moisture will also be returning and together with a strong system aloft that will be approaching will produce increasing chances of showers/storms, some of which may be severe.

Cannot rule out an isolated shower or two late this afternoon for the more northern counties, have a 30% chance of showers/storms for the more northern counties for late Sunday and only a slight chance on Monday as the atmosphere will most likely be strongly capped each of the next few days except near a weak frontal boundary that will be setting up near the OK/KS state line.

However, on Tuesday a dry line setting up in W OK will be overtaken by a cool front which will then sweep eastward across the state late in the day or that night. That will most likely set the stage for a round of showers/storms, some of which will mostly likely be severe. That will be followed by a cloudy, cool, wet day for much of Wednesday as the upper level system moves overhead.

Thursday then should see clearing skies but still very cool followed by a gradual warm-up going into the coming weekend. As far as rainfall totals are concerned, the QPF map on the right which is valid through this coming Saturday morning suggests an inch or so will be possible. Not as wet a system as the most recent one, and hopefully the heavier rains will fall where it is most badly needed.

So, stay tuned and check back for updates.

Dick Faurot