Warmer, Chance of Storms.

Finally, something more Spring-like with respect to our daytime temperatures. Notice the high/low temperature map on the right, courtesy of the OK Mesonet. Keep in mind that the highs had not been reached when this was generated, but at least we are well into the 70s after another very cool start.

Speaking of cool starts, so far the month of May is running more than 13 degrees below normal and is second only to the first 6 days of May all the way back in 1907. The next few days will finally get our nights as well as our days at or above normal; for a while at least. The warmer temperatures are in advance of another storm system aloft that will be moving our way and bringing a more unsettled pattern back over the state for Thu/Fri as well.

Gusty southerly winds for the next few days will keep our nights in the 50s for tonight and lower 60s for Thu and Fri morning. Daytime temperatures should even reach the lower 80s on Wed before thicker clouds keep us in the 70s on Thu and the next cool front arrives on Friday. A few showers/storms will be possible Wednesday late, but better chances are expected for Thu and Fri. The actual cool front still looks to be moving through the area during the day Friday but the features at the surface and aloft look rather disorganized at this time. That should minimize the severe threat, but keep in mind this is May so cannot rule out that possibility for both Thursday and Friday.

Right now, it appears that we should see improving conditions during the day Saturday with NE winds and any threat of rain having ended by that morning. A stronger surge of cool air will then be arriving Saturday night and for Sunday keeping temperatures below normal through the weekend and to start early next week. This will not be nearly as much of a cool-down as this recent system though.

The preliminary forecast for Mother's Day calls for overnight lows back into the upper 40s and daytime highs in the 60s to near 70 under mostly sunny skies and a NE wind. Monday will also start off cooler than normal but should be back into the lower 70s by days end with lots of sunshine. Brisk southerly winds after that will provide another rebound in temperatures well into next week along with another unsettled period likely developing by the middle of next week.

So, in the meantime, stay tuned and check back for updates.

Dick Faurot