Warmer Air Soon

Friday, February 6th 2015, 4:27 am

By: Alan Crone

The weather pattern should support warming temperatures the weekend and early next week despite a few cold fronts moving across the state.   Only minor cooling is likely Monday or Tuesday, but a stronger front would be possible Wednesday with a slight chance of showers followed by highs in the 40s and 50s.   Until we approach the middle of next week, it's a preview of spring for the eastern third of Oklahoma.

The exact high temperature today across eastern OK is varying in the model output.   We've lowered the high slightly from yesterday's numbers.

Temperatures this morning are seasonally cool with mid-20s and upper 20s across most of eastern OK.   A southwesterly surface wind at 15 to 25 mph will develop today as a surface ridge of high pressure moves east and a trough of low pressure develops to our west.   The upper air flow will remain favorable for bringing warmer air back to the region today and Saturday with temps this afternoon in 60s followed by Saturday afternoon highs in the mid to upper 70s.   The pressure gradient will not be as strong Saturday compared to today, and wind speeds Saturday may be slightly lower.   Regardless, the fire danger is elevated both today and tomorrow due to the gusty southwest winds, warmer daytime highs, and lower humidity during the afternoon, and dry vegetation across the region.   If a fire starts today or Saturday, environmental conditions will allow for a fast fire spread today.   Please use caution.

Sunday a weak surface boundary should slide across northeastern OK but the only impact you may notice is a wind shift for the first half of the day.   Afternoon highs will be in the lower 70s with north winds early and south winds late.   Wind speeds should remain in the 10 to 15 mph range.

Monday morning we may deal with another weak front sliding southward with a wind shift for the first half of Monday but south winds quickly return and highs Monday move into the upper 60s or lower 70s.

The next front Wednesday could bring a few showers or storms to eastern OK and will be followed by a temps dropping into the upper 40s or lower 50s for afternoon highs.   Colder air may linger Thursday with highs in the upper 30s or lower 40s.

In summary, mild weather is likely today along with gusty south winds and highs in the 60s.   Even warmer air (mid to upper 70s) seems likely Saturday.

Have a super great day!

Alan Crone

KOTV