Enjoy the Mild Weather, Will Not Last Much Longer.

Although no records were set this morning, our day certainly started off with some very mild temperatures as the first map on the right, courtesy of the OK Mesonet clearly shows. Most locations were in the 50s to around 60 and for August, that is mighty nice. And, despite the full sunshine, our daytime temperatures have been relatively mild as well. In fact, that has been a recurring theme throughout this summer as every time we get into a hot, humid pattern it quickly changes back to milder, less humid conditions.

In fact, the second map on the right, also courtesy of the OK Mesonet, shows the number of triple digit temperatures that have been recorded so far this warm season across the state. Normally, at least according to the records maintained out at the Tulsa Airport, we will have @15 triple digit days. Officially, there were 3 in July and so far none in August and as you can see, none of the surrounding Mesonet locations have recorded any more than two.

The sunny skies and low humidity levels of today will be followed by a very pleasant evening and overnight tonight. Light winds, clear skies, and dew points in the 50s to near 60 will result in lows by Thursday morning generally in the upper 50s to lower 60s. Then, it is back to more seasonal conditions as we head into the weekend.

A more S to SE wind will be kicking in during the day Thursday along with stronger southerly winds for Friday and Saturday. That will bring more moisture up from the Gulf of Mexico resulting in warmer nights, warmer and more humid days, as well as an increase in cloudiness and perhaps some showers/storms. Right now, it still looks like temperatures will be below normal again for Thursday and quite likely Friday with highs near 90.

But, the weekend will be hot and humid again with highs by Saturday in the mid 90s along with a SW surface wind. If it were not for how green everything is, temperatures would stand a shot at approaching triple digits on Saturday due to the SW wind component, but the greenness will help keep temperatures under control. At any rate, heat index values will likely be at or above triple digits by then.

Sunday and into early next week will also be more typical of August with lows in the 70s and daytime highs in the low-mid 90s along with a mix of clouds and sun. Also, heat index values will likely be near triple digits each day. The combination of heat and humidity along with a weak frontal boundary that will be approaching will also provide at least a chance of showers or storms beginning Saturday and continuing through the middle of next week.

So, hope you have enjoyed this nice little break as it looks like we will be back to the real world in time for the weekend and well into next week. In fact, the last two maps on the right suggest that the extended outlook will also be closer to normal with respect to temperature and precipitation.

Dick Faurot