Windy, Warm Sunday.

After those howling winds yesterday, today will provide a very nice break as a brisk NW wind this morning will gradually subside and should become light and variable by this evening. Speaking of those howling winds on Friday, the map on the right shows the maximum wind gusts across the state which approached 70 mph in some of the western counties. That is close to hurricane force winds but without the rain. They sure could use some out there as the drought continues to worsen although the recent rains have provide some short term relief across E Ok.

Also, after the storms of Thursday night, this weekend will be quiet with lots of sunshine both today and Sunday. The clear, cool start this morning will moderate into the upper 60s this afternoon which is a bit below normal, but the lighter winds this afternoon will make for a very pleasant day. Enjoy, because a strong south wind will return on Sunday with gusts to 30 or more possible by afternoon. Temperatures will quickly warm back into the upper 70s during the day and we should be back into the 80s for Monday and Tuesday.

Also, the coming week looks to be more unsettled with a series of systems that will be coming this way along with chances of showers or storms. And, since we are well into April, any chance of storms also carries with it at least the potential for severe weather. Right now it appears that a relatively weak cool front will be moving through the state Tue night bringing a chance of showers or storms and in advance of it there may even be a few isolated showers or storms late Monday. Another system will be approaching late in the week and into the coming weekend, so additional chances of showers or storms are also expected by then.

There will be the usual swings in temperature as clouds and changes in the winds associated with each system sweep across the state. Also, given the flow pattern aloft, these systems do not appear overly strong at this time, but that is certainly subject to change as some amplification remains possible such as what has happened with the system affecting us yesterday and today.

So, stay tuned and check back for updates.

Dick Faurot