The Heat Returns

What a nice break yesterday with the morning storms and the "not as hot air".  The temperatures yesterday were actually near normal with highs in the mid 90s across most of northern OK and some triple digit readings located across southern OK. Downtown Tulsa hit 99 and the temperature heat index at the airport was nearing 103.  But the morning hours were very pleasant!

 I continue to see a slight chance today for some scattered storms due to the influence of the old upper level circulation combined with daytime heating and residual outflow boundaries. This morning a few scattered storms have been noted across northwestern central Oklahoma and also across the extreme southeastern portion of the state.  The main upper level circulation should be located across central Arkansas today, but I have noticed what may be an convectively induced area of vorticity across northwestern OK this morning.  This feature may slide closer to Tulsa this afternoon helping to spark off a few scattered storms. 

 The mid level ridge is expected to crank the heat back up soon with highs moving into the 100 to 105 range during the next 5 to 7 days.  Morning lows will also build back up into the upper 70s and lower 80s.  This will create the potential for more excessive heat warnings and I think these warnings may be in place for many days.

The EURO continues to offer the mid level ridge splitting once again late next week allowing for some easterly waves to slide back into the region.  This would be a good thing and much needed by the end of next week after another major heat wave unfolds over the region.