Mild Again Tonight, But Warmer Weather Will Return.

If it seemed unusually cool this morning, you were right.  Low temperatures across the state, courtesy of the OK Mesonet, reveal lots of 50s with even a few 40s to start the day as you can see from the first map.  For most of us, the last time we were that cool on this date in July was 90 years ago.  That's right, the morning lows of 49 at Vinita and Miami either set or tied records that were first established on this date in 1924.  For Tulsa, the official low of 57 came within a few degrees of tying the record of 54 also set in 1924. 

In order to be that cool, the air has to be dry and the second map on the right shows the dew point temperatures as of early this afternoon.  As is often the case, the dew point has recovered somewhat during the course of the daylight hours due to evaporation from bodies of water and the soil and transpiration from vegetation; a process often referred to as evapotranspiration.  At any rate, the air remains dry enough that humidity levels are comfortably low this afternoon as temperatures struggle to even make it into the 80s.

That means another very pleasant evening and night tonight with only a few high clouds, light winds, and temperatures dropping into the 50s or low 60s to start Independence Day.  Friday will also start off with light E winds which will become more SE during the course of the day.  Wind speeds on the order of 8-15 mph are then expected by afternoon through the evening hours.  Temperatures will top out in the upper 80s then fall back into the upper 70s for the early night time hours and the fireworks displays.  In other words, mighty nice for Independence Day activities.

After that, southerly winds will be on the increase going through the weekend which in turn means warmer days and nights.  Morning lows should be near 70 to start the day Saturday and in the low 70s to start the day Sunday and into next week.  Daytime highs will be near 90 Saturday, low 90s Sunday, and low to possibly mid 90s for next week.  Dew point temperatures will also be rising into the 60s with the southerly flow which means the humidity levels will be a little more uncomfortable.  But, as long as the dew point stays below 70 it is not quite so stifling.  It is when those dew points are into the 70s along with light winds and temperatures in the 90s that the heat/humidity combination really begins to be a problem.  That may be the case later next week, but for now enjoy this nice break in our typical summer heat.

The drought monitor has also been updated this morning and is the third map on the right.  There has been some improvement, but much of the state is still too dry.  Our chances of additional showers/storms are in the slim to none category but are non-zero.  A few isolated showers/storms will be possible by late in the day Sunday and most likely for each day after that.  But, the chances of any one location receiving measurable rainfall looks to be less than 20% on any given day.

So, enjoy the milder conditions of the next day or two as more typical July weather is on tap for next week.

Dick Faurot