Michael Grogan's Weather Blog: Dry Pattern Resumes After Soaking Rain

A powerful storm system has pushed to the east, sparing Oklahoma once again of both the severe and (mostly) the wintry threat.  We did receive much-needed moisture with some places seeing over 2" of rain.  Parts of Tulsa even ended up with more than an inch.  This same system ravaged the Gulf Coast region with dozens of tornadoes and is leaving a band of snow across the Midwest.

The effects of that storm will still be felt today. Gusty northwest winds is bringing the wind chill down into the 20s this morning.  Normally, that wind would be a bad omen for another day of wildfires. Fortunately, we are seeing a small reprieve in that threat thanks to yesterday's moisture.  Temperatures will be back to seasonable levels today and tomorrow.  Northerly flow will keep us cooler compared to last week's incredible warmth.  Overnight lows will be back below freezing.  Cover those sensitive plants if you got ahead of yourself with those spring-like days!  However, another tease of spring is not far off.

A warm-up will truly begin on Friday as south winds return to the area. By Saturday, southwest winds (typically our "warmest" wind direction) and sunshine will boost our temperatures back into the 70s for afternoon highs. Our vegetation may once again by dry enough for some fire danger to return. Yep, and before we know it, we're back to the broken record of telling folks to hold off on burning outdoors.

There are signs that the following week will be active yet again.  Several fast-moving storm systems will race through our region.  It's too early to tell if it'll turn wintry or stormy for us, but March is upon us and anything goes for us in March.