Next System Monday

Good morning shoppers!  Our temperatures are in the upper teens and lower to mid 20s this morning across eastern OK.  Once again big coat weather is the call, but later this afternoon we see a dramatic improvement in the temperatures with highs approaching the lower 50s.  Dry air reigns supreme and this will result in clear blue sky today with a light west wind.  If you have Friday evening plans the temps will drop into the 30s quickly after sunset and will be back in the 20s for Saturday morning.  

The cold arctic air mass is modifying quickly and will be moving eastward soon in response to the next trough across the western half of the nation.  The result will be high temperatures this weekend in the upper 50s and lower 60s along with a return of gusty south winds by Sunday.  The fire danger will be extremely high Sunday before another strong cold front will be approaching Sunday night into Monday.  Low level moisture will be moving back into the region ahead of the system and a few showers or storms will be possible, as early as Sunday night, but more than likely Monday midday as the boundary approaches the region.  The higher chance for storms will be across eastern OK. 

The air mass behind the departing Monday boundary is not of arctic origin but it does appear to be cold with thickness values lowering and 850 temps Tuesday from -4 to -6 across most of northern OK.  Consequently, I have undercut the computer output temp suggestions and have gone with highs near 40 with breezy northwest wind. 

Wednesday and Thursday will be cool but the air mass will be sliding eastward as yet another system approaches from the west just in time for a chance of showers or storms Friday evening.  Next weekend also appears cold at first glance.

 Yesterday was a big mess across the east central portion of the state with cold air allowing freezing rain for a few hours.  Tree tops were full of ice but due to recent warm air the roadways were just wet.  If we had been cold for a day or two before the Thanksgiving system, you probably wouldn't be reading this discussion.  The power would still be out!  But thankfully things worked out in our favor and we're off to the weekend in great shape.  Enjoy.