Super Soakers Coming to Oklahoma

Wednesday, October 8th 2014, 6:46 pm

By: News On 6

Fall seemed to have arrived a month ago, but it seems to have lost its way and let summer make a comeback. We know that seasonal transitions are hardly smooth or definitive, but we've reverted back to temperatures that are normal for Labor Day... not mid-October. In fact, we've already hit 90° twice this month. We haven't hit that mark once in the last 5 Octobers! However, this unseasonable warmth is taking a hike as not one but two very wet storm systems come our way.

                A frontal boundary combined with moisture from the remnants of “Simon” (once a hurricane in the east Pacific Ocean) will bring the potential for heavy rainfall to the region starting Thursday night. The rain will arrive from the north and west and overspread the area on Friday. Severe weather is unlikely, but storms with heavy rain are a good bet. The frontal boundary will slowly sag southward and clear the area by Saturday morning. Rain will taper off to showers and drizzle by midday Saturday. Between 1” and 3” of rain may fall in that time frame. Temperatures will also take a hit. Persistent clouds and rain will keep those readings mostly in the 60s and even 50s Friday and Saturday.

                That first system should clear and leave us with only a 24 to 30 hour window of drier weather before a second wave arrives. Saturday evening through Sunday afternoon is the best time to plan outdoor activities. That next system will sweep through the area Sunday night into Monday morning. It may not last long but could bring another inch or two of rain. With saturated soils by this time, flash flooding could readily occur. Some portions of northeast Oklahoma could end up with nearly half a foot of rain as the attached map shows! That's great news for our drought. It's even better news if it doesn't come down all at once. Just be aware of this threat over the weekend into early next week!

                Relatively warm and dry weather takes hold again into next week. The 8-14 Day Outlook shows something rare – the entire lower 48 with above-normal temperatures. It doesn't mean we'll see anymore 90° days, but the chill of fall many are awaiting may be put on hold a little longer.

                Enjoy the remaining warmth and the rain to come! Be sure to follow me on Twitter: @GroganontheGO and on my Facebook page.