Storm Chances Arrive Followed By Return Of Seasonal Temperatures

What is the weather like in Oklahoma on Wednesday?

Shower and storm chances arrive late Tuesday night into Wednesday before exiting the area early Thursday morning. Fall-like conditions will return, including much cooler weekend weather.

The midlevel ridge located to the east of the state continues to weaken and slide southeast allowing the western U.S. trough to pivot more east today and tonight before ejecting into the central plains Tuesday evening and early Wednesday morning. A dry line feature is expected to sharpen across far western OK this afternoon along with a southeastward moving cold front located across central Kansas. Both features will serve as focal points for scattered thunderstorms, including the threat for strong and severe storms. Most of these storms will remain west of our immediate area today and tonight. Later this evening, mostly near or after midnight, scattered showers and storms will move closer to northeastern OK with increasing probability for precip in the area.

While a few storms may be strong, the overall, organized threat for severe weather remains low and mostly along and south of I-40. Our main threats will eventually become pockets of locally heavy rainfall as the front begins moving southward into southern OK Wednesday afternoon and evening. The front should get a shove early Thursday morning with an additional wave of energy rounding the base of the main upper trough. After the early Thursday morning hours, showers and storms will quickly move out of the area with afternoon highs reaching the mid-70s. Another strong upper low will dive south from Canada into the upper Midwest Friday effectively bringing another front southward into the state during the day with gusty north winds and cooler air. A surface ridge of high pressure will build into the area late Friday night bringing some cool and chilly weather to northeastern OK Saturday morning with most locations dropping into the 40s. Afternoon highs are expected to remain in the upper 60s Saturday with north winds and sunny sky. Sunday morning lows will also start mostly in the 40s but with afternoon highs reaching the lower 70s.

Football Game Outlooks:

Friday Night Football will be cool. Game time temps will be in the mid-60s with a few clouds and north winds at 10 to 20 mph. Half time supports decreasing clouds and lighter winds as temps fall into the lower 60s. End of game weather will see temps dropping into the mid and upper 50s with north winds and clear sky.

The Oklahoma State Cowboys welcome Kansas State to Stillwater for a Friday night game. Kick-off is 6:30pm with temps near 65 and breezy north winds. Half time features lower 60s with temps dropping into the mid-50s by the end of the game in Stillwater.

The Sooners travel to Dallas for the annual OU-Texas game. Kick-off is 11am Saturday with temps in the mid-60s, north winds near 15 to 25 mph and sunshine. At the end of the game, weather supports temps near 75 with sunny sky and north breezes.

The Tulsa Golden Hurricane travel to Boca Rotan, Florida Saturday to face Florida Atlantic for a 5pm central contest. Game time temps will be in the upper 80s. End of game temps will be near 80.

Click here for Alan Crone's weather podcast

Are Allergies Bad This Time Of The Year In Oklahoma?

Beginning in mid-September, trees in Central Oklahoma begin pollinating, according to the Oklahoma Allergy & Asthma Clinic.

That means it's ragweed season and common species like elm, oak, maple, birch, mulberry, juniper and more will pollinate for a few weeks. In total, The Oklahoma Allergy & Asthma Clinic says the season is quite long.

Ragweed pollination begins based on hours of daylight and almost always begins when days shorten around the middle of August, OAAC says.

Those weeds will often continue to pollinate until there is a hard freeze, typically by late November.

"These next few weeks of September is when it often peaks," said News On 6 Meteorologist Stephen Nehrenz. "That's when it becomes a problem."

You can read more about allergy season in Oklahoma below.

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What are the signs of heat exhaustion?

The Centers for Disease Control recommends adults watch out for signs of heat exhaustion which can be; heavy sweating, cold, pale, and clammy skin, a fast, weak pulse, nausea, vomiting, muscle cramps, fatigue, dizziness, headaches, and fainting. If experiencing these symptoms people should drink water, move to a cooler area, or take a cool bath. Lastly, medical attention should be sought out if symptoms last longer than an hour.

What are the signs of heat stroke?

The CDC defines heat stroke symptoms as– hot, red, dry, or damp skin; a fast and strong pulse; a headache; dizziness; nausea; confusion and passing out. If someone is experiencing these symptoms, call 911 immediately, and try to move the person into the shade or a cooler area. Try to lower your body temperature by using cool clothes.

How to protect kids from heat exhaustion and heat stroke

Parents and caregivers should be aware of the dangers of heat exhaustion and heat stroke in young children and take precautions such as having them wear lightweight and light-colored clothing, use sunscreen, and stay hydrated. To keep cool, activities like playing in the water or the shade should be encouraged, and a spray bottle can help increase comfort. Children who are experiencing a heat stroke may also have a high fever or even seizures.

For more information about heat exhaustion and heat strokes from the CDC, click here.

How do I keep my pet safe from intense heat?

Pets are susceptible to dehydration and overheating in hot and humid weather. Owners should provide shady places for pets, limit exercise, and keep them indoors in extreme heat. Signs of overheating include excessive panting, increased heart and respiratory rates, drooling, weakness, stupor, seizures, bloody diarrhea, and vomiting.

For more information on how to keep your pet safe, click here.

How to protect your skin from intense heat

Stay hydrated throughout the day and refuel your body with proper sleep. To protect your skin from damage, apply a water-resistant broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 every 2 hours. Make sure to wear protective clothing, use a lip balm with an SPF of at least 15, and avoid the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

For skin safety tips, click here.

Cooling centers in Tulsa

Expo Square is located at 4145 E. 21st Street, 405-744-1113, seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

John 3:16 Mission is located at 506 N. Cheyenne Avenue, 918-587-1186, seven days a week, 24 hours a day, and year-round. 

Tulsa County Emergency Shelter 2401 Charles Page Boulevard, 918-896-5591, seven days a week, 24 hours a day, and year-round.