Frost/Freeze Advisories Tonight.

Notice the high/low temperature map on the right, courtesy of the OK Mesonet. Talk about a raw, early October day. Even had some sleet reported at times during the day today. Also, as mentioned in the morning discussion, we did set the record for the coldest Oct 6 ever. Morning low was 39 and daytime high has so far only managed to reach 49 which is well below the previous record for coldest daytime high of 57 set back in 1988.

For tonight, frost/freeze warnings/advisories are in effect for just about the entire viewing area. However, this is highly dependent on IF the clouds clear out. Current satellite imagery suggests that may prove difficult, but the various suite of numerical products is consistently bringing at least partial clearing to the more northern counties. If we do clear out, at least briefly, and do officially make it to the freezing mark here in Tulsa, it would be the earliest freeze on record. So, would strongly suggest taking the necessary precautions to protect any tender vegetation that is out.

Cloudy skies will quickly return on Sunday which also means a very short thermometer with daytime highs in some locations struggling to get into the 50s. Low to mid 50s should do it for most of us though and there will also be a chance of some patchy light rain or sprinkles during the day. Light northerly winds will also be the general rule.

Skies should be clearing out area-wide then for Sunday night, but the more western counties will also see a return to southerly winds by Monday morning. That makes the morning lows for Monday morning a bit more uncertain as well. However the more eastern and southern counties should then have the best chance for a frost/freeze for Monday morning. Bottom line is if you have tender plants out, they will require protection tonight and again Sunday night.

Monday afternoon will see lots of sunshine, southerly winds, and temperatures warming back into the 60s. Tuesday will be even warmer with morning lows in the 40s and daytime highs in the 70s along with a brisk southerly wind and partly cloudy skies.

Wednesday will see an interruption in the warming trend with a weak front arriving Tuesday night. Right now, this looks like a dry system, but the NE winds should keep daytime highs to near 70. Our winds will quickly return to the S or SE by Thursday morning and southerly winds should then prevail on into Friday and Saturday. That means warmer temperatures with daytime highs well into the 70s and possibly near 80. Our overnight lows will be warming into the 50s and perhaps the lower 60s during that time as well.

However, we will also have more cloud cover and increasing chances of showers/storms for the latter part of the week and into the weekend. In fact, this may turn out to be a set-up for some heavy storms, but that is certainly subject to change during the coming week.

At any rate, stay tuned and check back for updates.

Dick Faurot