We Tied a Record This Morning.

Notice the low temperature map across the state on the right, courtesy of the OK Mesonet. The official low of 40 here in Tulsa ties the record for the coolest temperature on this date, a record first set back in 1960. So, after a record cool start to the day, we will end the day below normal as well. This continues the trend of very cool weather that has dominated so far during the month of May, but not much longer. Look for much warmer conditions to prevail during the coming week, but not before having another cooler than normal day today and another relatively cool start to the day on Monday.

Temperatures this afternoon will range from the upper 60s in the more NE counties to the lower 70s elsewhere along with a SE breeze. The sunny skies this morning will give way to partly cloudy afternoon skies and perhaps even mostly cloudy in the more NE counties. A weak pocket of energy in the NW flow pattern aloft will be responsible for some afternoon cloudiness and may even wring out a few showers. Any showers that do form will be few and far between though. Bottom line is another cooler than normal day and what should be a very pleasant Mother's Day.

Clear skies tonight and a light southerly breeze should keep morning temperatures to around the 50 degree mark to start the day on Monday. Then it is going to feel like we are jumping right into summer with sunny skies for Monday and Tuesday which together with a brisk SW wind will push our daytime highs well above normal for a change. Keep in mind, the normal diurnal temperature range by the end of the week is 60/80 for the low/high respectively.

Afternoon highs on Monday are expected to be in the mid 80s and the upper 80s are a good bet for Tuesday. Not only that, but the southerly winds will be returning more moisture so it will be very warm and humid and that will keep our nights much warmer as well. Overnight lows will be in the 60s starting Tuesday morning and for the rest of the week.

As the low level moisture returns, another disturbance aloft will also be coming this way providing chances of showers/storms for Wed/Thu and perhaps into Friday. Right now, this does not appear to be a very dynamic system so the severe threat appears marginal. But, this is May and that is certainly subject to change.

Also, the partly sunny skies will put a lid on the daytime highs for the latter part of the week and through the weekend. So, although we will be warmer than normal throughout this coming week, Monday and Tuesday still look to be the warmest days of this forecast cycle.

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

Dick Faurot