From Wet To Wintry: Bedlam And Beyond

After a mild welcome to December, we've been hit over the head with much colder weather. Clouds have socked in the area Friday, keeping our temperatures on the chilly side. What is of greater concern to us Oklahomans is the all-important Bedlam game and what the outlook is for Saturday night!

The Good News for Saturday: The cold front that brought us the cold weather Friday is lifting back north as a warm front, and will give us a relatively mild day Saturday – initially. We may see readings in the lower 60s before the rain moves in from the west that afternoon. The other bit of good news is that the rain may move out just in time for the Bedlam game in Stillwater to start. It'll be a close call though, so be sure to pack the rain gear. If it wasn't for the timing, we'd welcome this rain to keep reducing the severity of the drought.

The Bad News for Saturday: You'll also want to pack layers of clothing if you're out at the game Saturday night. Our brief respite from the cold will be just that: brief. Temperatures will fall through the 40s and into the upper 30s by the end of the game with a biting north wind to boot.

That rush of colder air will be the prelude to a more concerning winter weather event. Computer models indicate some of the upper-level energy will remain to our west for early next week. That remaining energy will bring back some unsettled weather Sunday night through early Tuesday morning for Oklahoma. Originally, the models kept the moisture to the south and the cold air north enough to preclude any significant wintry weather. Today's model runs have brought the moisture further north, changing the landscape of our forecast entirely for early next week.

As early as Sunday night, precipitation will work north towards the Tulsa area. Initially, temperatures will likely be above freezing. However, as this system deepens and draws in more cold air, a change-over to snow is possible. There is quite a difference in what the models show for snow amounts. However, the fact that all the main ones are on board with at least some wintry weather now is awfully convincing. My inclination is that warmer (than ideal) temperatures and a potential lack of moisture may keep this from being a major snowstorm. There's quite a few ingredients that have to come together to make this a big event. However, there will likely be a sweet spot of accumulation, and, as of now it looks like it could be in Green Country. The map above shows the Hydrometeorological Center for Prediction's likelihood for a 4"+ snow in our area. Stay tuned! The next day or so will be crucial to the system's evolution.

In any event, be prepared for our first taste of winter! Next week, following the precipitation, we'll feel some mighty cold air with temperatures as cold as the teens. Brrrr!

Also, a big congratulations to the Union Redskins for winning their 4th state championship in a row! I'm very proud of my alma mater!

Be sure to follow me on Twitter: @GroganontheGO and "like" me on Facebook for the latest on the potential wintry weather!