Warm, Dry Weekend May Be Followed By Stormy Week

Oklahomans can expect a warm, dry weekend before another unsettled weather pattern sets up. <br/><br/>The National Weather Service said a ridge of high pressure will keep conditions quiet and allow temperatures

Saturday, April 28th 2007, 1:45 pm

By: News On 6

Oklahomans can expect a warm, dry weekend before another unsettled weather pattern sets up.

The National Weather Service said a ridge of high pressure will keep conditions quiet and allow temperatures to warm to above-average levels. Two small but potent storm systems could bring decent shots of more rain by midweek.

On Friday, a cluster of thunderstorms, some severe, developed over central Oklahoma ahead of a cold front and swept into southeastern sections of the state. Despite the cloud cover, temperatures still managed to range from 68 degrees in Oklahoma City to 81 degrees in Frederick. The mercury peaked at 73 degrees in Hobart, Muskogee, Stillwater and Tulsa, forecasters said.

Skies should be sunny Saturday and Sunday with temperatures reaching the 70s and 80s on Saturday and possibly soaring into the 80s and low 90s on Sunday, the weather service said. Lows Saturday night should dip into the 40s and 50s.

Showers and thunderstorms are possible on Monday in southwestern Oklahoma, with slight chances forecast for central and southeastern sections of the state, the weather service said. Highs should reach the 70s and 80s and lows should fall into the 50s.

Skies should turn mostly cloudy Tuesday and Wednesday with a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms in the Panhandle and western Oklahoma. The rest of the state has a better chance of seeing precipitation as highs reach the 70s and 80s and lows dip into the 50s and 60s both days.