The Ups and Downs of Fall

I think it's hard to disagree that October is one of the nicest months in Oklahoma. Yeah, we can get severe weather and bouts of cold, brisk air, but it is the one time of year when at least a portion of the time is quiet with mild days and cool nights. I've often joked that fall lasts all of 2 weeks in Oklahoma, but that doesn't seem to be the case here in 2011. Our temperature trend often resembles a roller-coaster, say, like the Texas Giant versus the gentle ups and downs of a carousel.

Our "carousel" type weather will give way to more of a thrill ride in the coming days as temperatures warm nicely before a major dip early next week. Temperatures will rebound into the 80s for highs this weekend – outstanding weather for outdoor activities. Don't put those jackets too far out of sight because a strong cold front will sweep into our region Monday night, dropping our high temperatures by a good 20 degrees! If you feel like you need cool, crisp weather to enjoy a trip to the pumpkin patch, then next Tuesday or Wednesday will be your days. If you feel like your lawns or fields need more water, then you may be out of luck…

Outside of a slight chance of showers with the cold front passage Monday night, rain will be hard to find for awhile. We are definitely thankful for the recent rains. In fact, the latest Drought Monitor (above) shows the most marked improvement in drought conditions in the state in quite some time. However, the drought problems are far from over, and the next week of relatively dry weather clearly won't help matters.

I am heading out of town for the following week so my blog updates will be on hold until I'm back in the saddle as Mr. Alan Crone says! Hopefully, I can return with some more rain. In the meantime, enjoy this nice weather! I'll be cheering on the Rangers as they (hopefully) move along to the World Series!

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