Tuesday Morning Update

Tuesday, July 22nd 2014, 4:40 am

By: Alan Crone

Good morning. The mid-level ridge of high pressure will keep the heat in place today and heat index values should climb to near or above 105. As morning lows both today and tomorrow morning stay near or above 75 in many locations, the NWS will issue heat advisories for a number of locations across the state and region. Take a look at the top red bar on the web page for the very latest county by county information.   Tulsa County will be included in an excessive heat warning.

The short term forecast will center on a cold front nearing the state sometime Wednesday accompanied with a few showers and storms near the vicinity of the boundary. A few of the storms may be strong to severe with wind damage the highest threat. There could be a few “ left overs” moving into the area early tomorrow morning across the far NE sections, but the better timing will be tomorrow afternoon into the early evening hours.

The mid-level ridge is expected to slide westward tonight into Wednesday as a surface boundary moves through the central U.S. and the Missouri Valley.   This front may pass the Tulsa metro Wednesday afternoon before to our south late Wednesday night or Thursday morning. A few showers or storms may persist Thursday morning south of I-40 but the chance will be very low. The boundary will quickly become diffuse and south winds will return Thursday and Friday.

Temps will also quickly climb back to above seasonal averages with readings nearing 100 Saturday.

A stronger cold front is expected to arrive Sunday or Monday with another chance of showers or storms. The operational data seems to suggest another pattern shift next week that will allow some " not as hot" air to once again move into the state. Another upper level trough will be located over the Midwest and NE while the surface ridge will be west of the area. This will create a favorable upper level flow bringing cooler air back to the state. While next week’s cool down will not be as robust as last weeks, the difference will be noticeable and a nice break from the summer heat and humidity.

Yesterday’s high was 92 recorded at 4:31pm. The daily average-normal high is 94 and the low is 73. Daily records include a high of 109 from 1974 and a low of 57 from 1970.

You'll find me on Facebook and Twitter.

I'll be discussing the weather on numerous Radio Oklahoma News network affiliates across the state through the morning hours.

You'll also hear our forecast on Tulsa metro radio stations, including KMOD, The Twister, The Beat, and The buzz.   These stations are part of Clear Channel Communications.

Thanks for reading the Tuesday Morning weather discussion and blog.

Have a super great and safe day!

Alan Crone

KOTV