'Cool Spell' Followed By Another Heat Wave

Tuesday, July 8th 2014, 11:33 am

By: News On 6

'Cool Spell' Followed By Another Heat Wave

Monday was our first day of 2014 to hit the century mark in Tulsa and, fortunately, we’re pulling away from that number just a bit for a few days. It’s thanks to a cold front that is sagging southward through our region today. It may spark additional showers and storms through the afternoon and evening hours, especially for our easternmost counties. Behind the front, our winds turn northerly and we’ll see at the least, a return to seasonable temperatures.

                Areas south of Tulsa will still be rather toasty on this Tuesday. Highs in the upper 90s are possible along the I-40 corridor. That’s also the most likely area to see any strong to severe storms today. The first Rain Zone map above shows varying risks for rainfall across our region today, mainly in relation to the cold front’s position late this afternoon.

                Our “cool” spell still means highs around or slightly above 90°. While the front is to our south, however, the air will be slightly drier and we’ll enjoy a few more clouds in the sky. The best chance of rain shifts south for the day Wednesday, but as the front lifts back to the north as a warm front (cue Jaws music) storms may emerge over northeast Oklahoma yet again. Wednesday night into Thursday morning is the most likely time for the wet and cooler weather.

                While heavy rainfall totals aren’t expected this week, it’ll be a nice respite from the sweltering heat, which will emerge once the rain clears the area Friday. Highs in the upper 90s to near 100° are possible by the weekend. Beyond there, hope springs anew again. At least hope for another break from the heat. A similar pattern with another cold front pivoting around a trough over the Great Lakes will settle into Oklahoma and allow for the corridor of rain to be set up over the region again. The latest 8-14 outlook shows this potential for below-normal temperatures and above-normal rainfall (next two maps).

                Here’s the gist. The rains of this week won’t be drought-busters nor will everyone see a good rainfall. However, the cool-down will last through midweek and a few decent downpours are possible. The next heat wave will only hang on for a few days before another wave of heat relief pushes into the state early next week. Although it’s natural to brace for a string of triple-digit days after the last few summers, so far, it appears this summer will be tamer and a bit closer to normal. We only average around 10 days at or above 100° anyway. Enjoy the brief cool-down!

                Be sure to follow me on Twitter: @GroganontheGO and like my Facebook page! My updates will come earlier in the day as I fill in for Mr. Crone the rest of the week.