Another Roller Coaster Ride on the Way.

Pretty nice day today as the high/low map on the right, courtesy of the OK Mesonet, shows. To put things in perspective, the normal diurnal range for this date here in Tulsa is 56/35 and we made it well into the 60s this afternoon. This warm-up will be brief though with another significant cool-down on tap for Monday and Tuesday followed by another warm-up for later in the week and into the coming weekend. In other words, the roller coaster ride continues.

Our next cold front has made it to about the OK/KS state line late this afternoon and will gradually move on southward tonight and Monday. As a result, there will not be a sudden, dramatic change in conditions as our winds will gradually back around to a more E component, then NE, and then due North by afternoon. Those northerly winds during the afternoon hours will become strong and gusty with wind speeds of 20-25 mph and gusty which will make it feel much cooler. Also, temperatures tonight will gradually drop off into the upper 30s and lower 40s for most locations, should moderate to possibly the lower 50s from late morning into the early afternoon, and then as those stronger northerly winds kick in look for temperatures to drop back into the 40s for the late afternoon.

Moisture is really lacking with this system, so although we will have more cloud cover for much of the day Monday, our chances of any measurable rainfall is only on the order of 20% and primarily for the extreme eastern counties at that. Also, what rain does fall will be very light.

Rapidly clearing skies are then expected Monday night with a cold start to Tuesday morning. Most of us will be back in the 20s and possibly a few upper teens in the normally colder valleys to start the day. Despite bright sunny skies, our daytime highs will only be near 50 that afternoon along with a light NE wind.

Wednesday morning will also start off clear and cold, but a return to southerly winds will initiate a warming trend which will continue right on through the coming weekend. The warmer temperatures, gusty southerly winds, and the ongoing drought may also produce an enhanced fire danger potential this week. Although our chances of any significant rainfall are pretty much in the slim to none category, cannot rule out a few passing, very light showers for late this week and perhaps into the weekend. Still, no drought busting rainfall is in sight anytime soon.

So, stay tuned and check back for updates.

Dick Faurot