Wet and Windy Days Ahead

Fall foliage is peaking and there's a chill in the air – it was an outstanding autumn weekend. As we start a new week, another big storm system is poised to put a damper on these conditions. A mid-latitude low-pressure system pulling out of the west will combine with moisture from the remnants of Tropical Storm Sonia making landfall on Mexico's Pacific coastline. This double-whammy will make for heavy rain and the limited risk for flooding.

The first attached image shows the timeline for rain chances through Wednesday afternoon. Several rounds of rain are likely with the first significant bout coming Tuesday morning. Another band or two of heavy rain will set up Tuesday night and push through the region into Wednesday morning with the cold front. The next image shows the total rainfall expected between now and Wednesday. Southeastern Oklahoma may see the heaviest totals with 2" or more possible.

Along with the rain, a strong pressure gradient in place means gusty southerly winds. Temperatures will have a very small range as a result of the wind, clouds, and added moisture in the air. We're not likely to see a reading above 70° through this wet period despite this strong southerly flow.

Speaking of temperatures, Sunday morning offered another freeze for portions of Green Country. I've attached the lows in the next map, showing some new locations succumbing to the first freeze of the year. Tulsa has yet to have a freeze and Sunday was the average date of the first freeze. We'll have a few more close calls late this week, but we could potentially hold out until mid-November before the frosty grip of Mother Nature takes hold of the entire region.

Finally, if you didn't get out to see the vibrant foliage this weekend, the week to come will offer some great views as more trees go un-green. The rain and wind in the coming days will start to leave some trees barren, but most will keep their leaves through the next weekend. Our final picture features some foliage in Collinsville from one of our viewers. Be sure to check out the Share Page here on this site for more images from throughout the region.

Have a great start to the week and don't forget the umbrella! Be sure to follow me on Twitter, @GroganontheGO, and like my page on Facebook!