Windy and Warm Thanksgiving

Cloudy and cold conditions are expected this morning with gradual clearing later today.  Highs will move into the lower 50s with northwest winds at 10 to 15 mph.

Things are pretty much going as planned this morning.  The moderate to heavy rainfall is east of the state.  Light patchy drizzle will be possible between now and 8am across a small portion of northeastern OK. 

Some significant rainfall totals have been noted across far southeastern OK in the Pushmataha and Leflore county areas, but most of the region received some 1 to 4 inch rains, which is a good thing in the middle of an historic drought. The areas of southern Leflore County may have received nearly 8 inches of rain which caused some significant flooding near the Cedar Lake area.  A flood warning will be issued for the Kiamichi River near Antlers.  The water may approach major flooding status before quickly falling during the next 36 hours. The stage this morning was reported at 26 feet and should crest near 34 feet early Wednesday morning.   

The clouds will stick around for most of the day before also moving away from the area later this afternoon.  Mostly clear and cold conditions are expected later tonight and this will promote the growth of some dense fog for early Wednesday morning. 

The fog will end around 10am if not slightly sooner and we'll be on our way into the Thanksgiving Holiday with fair weather and warmer temperatures.  Highs Wednesday will be in the lower to mid 60s with sunny conditions and light winds.  Thanksgiving morning expect a low in the lower 40s with highs nearing 70, but the south winds will be increasing speeds in the 15 to 25 mph range as the next upper level system quickly draws near the area. 

GFS data support the next fast moving system Friday afternoon with a chance of showers or storms.  If the moisture content can increase, there will be a chance of severe storms, but the current data does not support a rapid moisture transport.  The air mass behind the system Friday will be cold and the weekend will feature highs in the upper 40s and lower 50s.  The timing of the Friday system may be a little problematic, but at this point we'll bring the system across the area Friday evening into early Saturday. 

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