Cooler Temps Continue

The much below normal temperatures that moved over the state on Friday are going to be with us for awhile and are also having an impact on the soil temperatures. On the right is a map from the OK Mesonet showing the soil temperatures at the two inch level under sod. Earlier in the week those temperatures were around the 70 degree mark, so the rain and cooler conditions have made quite an impact. By the way, that is also a close approximation to what the near surface water temperatures are in the area lakes and ponds.

These much below normal temperatures are going to be with us for awhile as the wind pattern aloft is in what we refer to as a blocking pattern. That means the overall pattern will be rather slow to change and at the surface we will keep a general northerly wind at least through the day on Monday.

By later Tuesday, our winds should be shifting back to a more E to SE direction which will initiate a warming trend.

Between now and then, daytime temperatures will be in the 60s for today and Sunday with some occasion sunshine mixed in with the low level cloud deck. At least there is no mention of precipitation. Depending on cloud cover, our nights will be quite cool with minimum temperatures generally in the 40s. Brisk northerly winds today and Sunday will make it feel even cooler. By the way, normal daytime temperatures at this time of year would be around the 79 or 80 degree mark.

Eventually this pattern will break down and the next system will be approaching from the west. As is often the case in these types of situations, the longer range guidance is not very consistent. The latest indications now suggest that the next system will be rather slowly moving our way later in the coming week with increasing chances of showers and storms for the Thu/Fri time frame in particular. A few isolated showers/storms may occur on Wed as well. Brisk southerly winds in advance of this next system will also result in much warmer conditions and the timing of the next cool front may be delayed into the day on Saturday. Thus, the latter part of the coming week looks to be rather unsettled and certainly subject to change. 

In the meantime, stay tuned and check back for updates.

Dick Faurot