Chance of Showers/Storms Monday.

We have made mention on several occasions about how dry our state is and how badly we need rainfall. The top map on the right clearly shows that we are not alone in that respect. In fact, 72% of the U.S. is currently considered abnormally dry and 51% of the U.S. is in drought. That is quite unusual to say the least, but there is a glimmer of hope. The second map on the right shows the precipitation outlook from the Climate Prediction Center for the period Jul 8-14. There is at least the suggestion we could get some rain during that period, not likely to be a drought breaker but at least there is a possibility for rain.

Short term, we also have a chance of showers/storms on Monday. A weakness in the dominant ridge aloft will allow some moisture to work its way into E OK providing at least a slight chance of rain and also the extra cloud cover will help hold temperatures down somewhat.

For today, mostly sunny skies will be the general rule but we do expect to see a few more clouds and there might even be an isolated shower or two develop this evening or overnight south of I-40. A few clouds and some lower temperatures aloft also translate into daytime highs that should, for the most part, stay just below triple digits. Only a few locations on this side of the state made triple digits yesterday and that should be the case again today.

Partly cloudy to mostly cloudy skies on Monday should keep daytime highs in the low-mid 90s. Our rain chances look to be on the order of 20% so most of us will miss out, but those showers/storms that do form will be capable of dropping some locally heavy rains in a short period of time. As the system aloft weakens, we will be left with partly cloudy skies on Tuesday and afternoon highs in the upper 90s. Humidity levels will likely be a bit higher next few days as well.

Wednesday through the rest of the week and into the coming weekend will then be mostly sunny and dry with daytime highs near triple digits each day and overnight lows well into the 70s. So, we have at least a chance of rain on Monday and then the possibility of at least some scattered showers/storms that second week in July. At least there is some hope.

In the meantime, stay cool, stay tuned, and check back for updates.

Dick Faurot