T-Showers Again Tuesday.

After one of the driest Jan-May periods on record, the recent rains have certainly been a blessing; more so for some folks than others. The first map on the right shows the total precipitation over the last 7 days, courtesy of the OK Mesonet. Some pretty impressive numbers on there and everyone has had at least some rainfall. But, was it enough to be considered a drought breaker? Well, the actual drought monitor map will come out on Thursday so we will have to wait till then for an official tally in that regard. However, notice the second map on the right which as of May 31 indicated the amount of moisture needed to end the ongoing drought. As you can see, our more western counties were in need of as much as 12" and some locations on our side of the state needed as much as 6". So, the recent rains have certainly helped a great deal, but quite frankly more is needed; particularly in those locations that have missed the heavier amounts.

The system responsible for the recent wet cycle is finally drifting on eastward with some lingering showers/storms possible through tonight and much of the day Tuesday. After that, we expect to see more sunshine and a dry Wednesday before another system approaches with a good chance of showers/storms on Thursday. The Thursday system should be moving along more quickly with little or no mention of rain for Fri & Sat, but yet another system could bring at least some scattered showers/storms for Sunday into the day Monday. So, we have more rain in the forecast over the course of the coming week.

Notice the third map on the right which is the 7 day QPF and suggests another inch or more will certainly be possible. Of course, most of that will likely occur on Thursday.

Temperatures will also be held in check by the clouds and showers/storms; at least for the next few days. Morning lows will be rather pleasant with temperatures in the lower 60s to near 60 and daytime highs back into the 70s on Tuesday, 80s on Wed, and 70s again on Thursday. However, by the time the weekend arrives, daytime highs will likely be pushing the 90 degree mark and our nights will be generally in the lower 70s due to brisk southerly winds and the abundant moisture in place from the recent rains.

Speaking of the winds, a brisk NW wind on Tuesday will also help to keep temperatures down, a more SE wind can be expected on Wednesday, followed by a more E/NE wind for much of the day Thursday. Then brisk southerly winds going into the weekend and the following week.

So, if you have not received enough rainfall yet, don't give up hope just yet.

Dick Faurot