Residents of Oklahoma City can mostly put away their winter coats for now and prepare to bask in what can only be described as a short-lived, yet visibly impressive onset of warm weather. According to the National Weather Service (NWS), Oklahoma City, temperatures today are climbing, reaching a sunny high near 90 degrees. South-southwest winds, persistent in their efforts, are expected to blow at a rate of 18 to 21 mph, with the possibility of gusts ascending as high as 31 mph.
As night descends, the tranquility of clear skies will begin to slowly give way, transitioning to an overcast evening. The NWS forecasts a low around 67 degrees, with the same tenacious south wind continuing to blow at a speed of 18 to 21 mph, thereby managing to introduce gusts that could, yet again, peak to 31 mph.
Tomorrow brings a complex mix, with a 30 percent chance of showers post the 1pm threshold. The mostly cloudy skies are an overture to high temperatures near 81. South winds aren't letting go, persisting at 14 to 17 mph, but the gusts plan to take it down a notch, expected as high as 26 mph.
The real show, however, is set to begin tomorrow night. NWS warnings peek through the fabric of the otherwise normal forecast with the mention of potentially severe thunderstorms. As the south wind begins to wane, changing to north after midnight and gusting to 20 mph, the chance of precipitation surges to a near-definitive 90 percent. The downpour carries over into Saturday, dousing any lingering thoughts of a reprieve, as both showers and severe thunderstorms are forecasted with a high chill settling near 62 degrees.
Oklahoma City citizens will need to keep their umbrellas close at hand through the weekend, with a relenting yet significant chance of showers on Sunday before 1pm, despite the sun's cameo amidst the mostly sunny conditions. As the new week begins, sunny days return, and the recent stretch of high winds and storms appears to quiet down—for now.
