More Rain on the Way.

The first map on the right shows the 24 hour rainfall totals across the state as of that point in time, courtesy of the OK Mesonet and with additional radar estimates supplied by the River Forecast Center. This system has already produced some good, soaking, widespread rainfall and hopefully the more western counties which have so far missed out will get their chance over the next 24-48 hours. The system that is responsible for these rains is moving rather slowly with the main upper level center now located in the Southern Rockies. As that system moves eastward, it will keep us on the soggy side until it gets on east of us and that is not expected till Thursday.

Thus, look for tonight, Wednesday, and Wednesday night to be much like today with cloudy skies, NE winds, chilly temperatures, and rain off and on through the period. Since we are pretty well saturated, temperatures will be going nowhere with overnight lows and daytime highs within a few degrees of each other. That translates to upper 30s to lower 40s at night and pretty much the same during the day.

By Thursday, the system will be moving on eastward leaving some lingering clouds and showers for the morning hours, but we should see at least some sunshine that afternoon. NW winds will still keep us quite cool for this time of year with the afternoon high only in the mid-upper 50s.

Lots of sunshine for Friday along with a return to southerly winds should get us to near 70 that afternoon after a chilly start near 40 that morning. That will be followed by warmer conditions through the weekend and into the early part of next week. The more spring-like temperatures, southerly winds, and another system approaching will also result in a more spring-like scenario for showers/storms by early next week as well.

In fact, the QPF map on the right is valid through this coming Tuesday morning and incorporates the expected rains for tonight and Wednesday as well as the rainfall potential for early next week. As you can see, between the two events, we stand to receive more than 3" by the time it is all said and done. That is, of course, assuming this QPF verifies. If so, this will go a long way toward eliminating the drought situation, at least for this side of the state and also producing some badly needed run-off into our lakes, streams, and ponds.

So, stay tuned and check back for updates.

Dick Faurot