Chance Rain Friday, Summer Arrives Saturday.

Some parts of our state received some decent rainfall over the last 24 hours as the first map on the right, courtesy of the OK Mesonet, shows. The second map on the right is the updated drought monitor which shows just how badly we needed that moisture. The drought monitor is figured from precipitation through this past Tuesday, so today's rainfall did not go into the drought classification but does illustrate the fact that we are still in a drought situation across much of our state. Conditions have certainly improved but we still need much more rainfall. For example, here in Tulsa, we are more than 8" behind on our annual precipitation to date.

Fortunately, we will have another chance of showers/storms again on Friday but right now it looks like only about a 30% chance that any one location will receive measurable rainfall. Although a few spotty showers may occur during the weekend, the weekend looks to be for the most part hot, humid, and dry. However, as we go into next week, the weather pattern will be changing to a more favorable one for showers/storms starting on Monday and quite likely extending till the latter part of the week. Notice the third map on the right which is the 7 day QPF valid through Thursday of next week. Keep in mind, this is an areal average so some locations may receive more and others less, but at least the potential is there for some soaking rainfall.

We should see a little more sunshine for Friday along with the scattered showers/storms so temperatures will likely make it into the upper 80s which is pretty close to normal along with a southerly breeze. Saturday marks the ‘official' start to summer and it will certainly be appropriate as daytime highs should make it back into the low 90s both Saturday and Sunday. Our nights will remain warmer than normal with morning lows in the low-mid 70s right on through the weekend. We will also keep southerly breezes through the weekend, but not of the intensity of the last few days. Winds will generally be on the order of 10-15 mph during the day and less at night.

As we go into next week, the longer range guidance is consistently showing a weak frontal boundary making it into the state by late Monday or Tuesday which will gradually become diffuse as the week wears on. That will bring a wind shift over a period of several days from N to E to SE as the week wears on along with milder temperatures. Morning lows in the 60s and daytime highs generally in the mid 80s are expected which is a bit below normal. And, as mentioned above that will also bring an increased chance of showers/storms as the weather pattern for much of next week will be more unsettled.

So, stay tuned and check back for updates.

Dick Faurot