Dick Faurot's Weather Blog: Showers/Storms Likely Through The Weekend

Notice the max/min temperature map across the state, courtesy of the OK Mesonet, for today. Have to go back to Jun 10 for the last time we had any triple digit temperatures recorded anywhere in the state which is rather remarkable in and of itself.

However, when the combination of heat and humidity, i.e. the heat index, is considered, those values were generally at or a little above triple digits for most of the state, as you can see on the second map. 70+ dew point temperatures for today were responsible for those uncomfortable heat index values as the actual air temperature was a couple of degrees below where we were yesterday.

In fact, the 98 degrees recorded out at the airport for Tuesday still stands as the highest temperature so far this year, tied with the 98 back on June 10.

As pointed out yesterday, June started off with 11 dry days, followed by six wet days, and since then we have been dry - at least out at the airport. There have been some spotty showers and storms around, but nothing widespread since TS Bill exited the state almost two weeks ago.

That is about to change as another round of showers/storms is expected in the days ahead, along with some potential for locally heavy rainfall amounts and even a threat of severe storms. Wind/hail will be the primary severe threat, but an isolated tornado is also a remote possibility over the course of the next few days.

The more unsettled pattern and more cloud cover will at least knock temperatures back some, as you can see on our forecast page. Daytime highs will generally be in the 80s to near 90 through the weekend and perhaps into early next week. Also, some rain cooled air will also provide for somewhat cooler nights with temperatures closer to 70.

Our winds will be lighter and somewhat variable in direction as a series of weak boundaries will be dropping into the state, stalling out and becoming diffuse. The exception, of course, will be near storms which may be accompanied by locally very strong and gusty winds.

As you can see on the 7-day QPF map, the potential exists for locally heavy rains. Most locations should receive an inch or two, but that represents an areal average, and there will typically be some much higher local amounts.

In other words, there will be some localized flooding potential over the course of the next few days as well. Unfortunately, that also coincides with the festivities over the course of the 4th of July celebrations.

Also, going into early next week, the boundaries mentioned earlier will likely set up a little further north into KS and you can see the potential for some locally heavy rains up there as well. Beyond that time frame, the 8-14-day outlook suggests near to slightly below normal temperatures and near to slightly above normal chances for precipitation.

So, stay tuned and check back for updates.

Dick Faurot