Warmer, Then Showers/Storms Likely on Saturday.

The good folks at the OK Mesonet have compiled the total number of triple digit days across the state so far this year and that map is shown on the right. These should be the totals for the year since it is highly unlikely we will see any more triple digits this late in the year. To put things in perspective, the historical average for Tulsa is right at 15 days and ‘officially' out at the airport there were 7 days this year. Notice that many of the more eastern locations recorded none at all where the drought stricken more western counties obviously had much more heat to deal with.

As for our current weather, we enjoyed another clear, relatively cool start to our day and with sunny skies and light winds throughout the day today, temperatures will rebound to above normal levels again this afternoon. That will be followed by gusty southerly winds for Thu/Fri and much above normal temperatures during the day. In fact, it is looking more and more like another round of 90+ temperatures for much of the state both days along with southerly winds of 10-20 mph or more. Up till today I have been reluctant to go with the 90 degree temperatures due to the lack of any westerly component to our winds. But the latest and greatest data that has come in so far today strongly suggests we will be at least around the 90 degree mark even in this part of the state.

The very warm temperatures will then be followed by a cold front that is on schedule to arrive during the day Saturday. Again, referring to the latest and greatest data runs, it now appears that the front may be a little earlier than was thought 24 hours ago with passage around the middle of the day. At any rate, a widespread area of showers/storms will accompany the front so Saturday still looks like the wettest day of this forecast cycle. Also, don't be surprised if temperatures are falling during the afternoon hours. With the northerly winds, lingering showers, and cooler air moving in we could easily be in the 60s for much of the afternoon.

Also, it now appears that the strongest support aloft will quickly move NE leaving the surface boundary stalled out across the southern part of the state at least through the day on Sunday and perhaps into early next week. That will keep at least some clouds and possibly some lingering showers through the day Sunday and perhaps into early next week as well. We can certainly use the moisture as we have received much less than half our normal rainfall for the month and we are more than 6" behind on an annual basis.

So, stay tuned and check back for updates.

Dick Faurot