May Rains Finally Arrive

Up until the past few days, it appeared we were well on our way to a record we didn't want to break: the driest May on record. A last minute rally allowed us to exceed the May of 1897 total of just 0.80".

Thursday, May 31st 2012, 2:33 pm

By: News On 6


Up until the past few days, it appeared we were well on our way to a record we didn't want to break: the driest May on record. A last minute rally allowed us to exceed the May of 1897 total of just 0.80". Breaking this record would have been especially remarkable since May is climatologically our wettest month. A soaking rain in the form of a complex of thunderstorms moved into the Tulsa metro area late last night, allowing for ~0.80" to fall. That brings our monthly rain total to 1.18". When we factor in the past 3 days, most portions of Green Country saw some decent rains. The map above shows you the rainfall winners (and lesser winners) from this recent wet episode. It wasn't enough to make up for a very dry month in most places, but enough to keep things from totally going brown as we head into June.

Along with the rain, Wednesday evening's storms brought some wind and hail. Most of the high wind reports came from Tulsa to the north where minor tree damage occurred. If you go to my Facebook page, you'll see a view of an incredible shelf cloud, which is where we find the leading edge high winds. Overall though, we lucked out without too many storm-related issues in eastern Oklahoma. The same can be said for the month of May.

What about the new month that lies ahead? We are getting a taste of how June will begin already with MUCH cooler temperatures. In fact, our predicted 50º-low Friday morning would BREAK the record low for June the 1st. Ironically, that means it may be the coldest start to June in recorded history amidst the warmest year (thus far) on record! This is why I love weather! It's so fascinating and ever-changing!

Unfortunately, this refreshing air won't last long. In fact, by the weekend, our readings go back to seasonal averages and above that next week. With the warmer air will come more chances of rain and storms. While no major storm system will be moving in, a general northwesterly flow aloft allows rounds of storms to move in from the High Plains. Timing these waves is difficult, but this pattern warrants low chances of rain for the week ahead. Hopefully this will provide for rainfall opportunities statewide without too much severe weather. Still, some rough and tumble thunderstorms can't be ruled out.

Be sure to follow me on Twitter: @GroganontheGO and "like" me on Facebook!

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