Unsettled Next Few Days.

So you think it has been windy today. Notice the map on the right courtesy of the OK Mesonet which shows the strongest wind gusts so far today. While we have had gusts to 30 or more on this side of the state, our neighbors to the west have endured 40+ and out in the Panhandle, 50+ winds. These winds are trying to blow up a storm as my Dad used to say and it still looks like we have a good shot at showers and storms over the next few days.

A weak boundary will be moving to about the middle of the state before stalling out on Sunday. That should provide a break in the winds out west, but for us we will keep a brisk southerly wind. That also means mostly cloudy skies, not much of a cool down tonight, and a chance of showers and even some thunder later on Sunday. Right now, will keep the chances at about 30% for Sunday with much better chances still on tap for Monday and Tuesday.

As mentioned this morning, the Monday-Tuesday time frame still has the best chance we have seen in quite some time to put a real dent in our drought. Widespread rains on the order of 1-2" should be common and some locations could approach 3" by the time it is all said and done. Gusty southerly winds will also keep temperatures quite mild until the cold front arrives Tuesday night. The combination of clouds and widespread rainfall will keep the instability in check. But, the strength of the winds at the surface and aloft will likely lead to some organization and a few storms may become severe with winds and hail the primary threats on Monday and particularly on Tuesday.

After that, brisk northerly winds and clearing skies along with cooler conditions are expected for Wednesday and the latter part of the week going into the coming weekend look promising for now.

So, stay tuned and check back for updates.

Dick Faurot