Oklahoma City kicked off Monday under clear skies, mild humidity and temps in the low 70s, the kind of quiet start that hides a hot, windy finish. By late afternoon, highs are expected to climb into the upper 80s, near 89°F, with west-southwest winds around 15 mph gusting into the mid 20s. That breeze will feel nice in town, but combined with very dry air over western Oklahoma it bumps up the risk of escaped debris fires outside the metro.
Afternoon Winds Pick Up
Winds take center stage this afternoon, with sustained speeds around 15 to 17 mph and gusts in the mid to upper 20s, especially just west of the city. The National Weather Service says drier air sliding in will drive relative humidity very low across western Oklahoma and create “elevated to near-critical” fire weather conditions in some areas. Forecasters recommend securing loose outdoor items and holding off on outdoor burning where local restrictions are in place, according to NWS Norman.
Storm Risk Tuesday
Storm chances return Tuesday as a stalled front lifts back north into the region, focusing the highest risk over southeast and south-central Oklahoma in the afternoon and evening. South of the boundary, forecasters say the setup could support strong to potentially severe thunderstorms, with all hazards on the table, including damaging winds, large hail and isolated tornadoes. Any storms that fire up are expected to drift south and east overnight, which should ease the threat for central Oklahoma by late evening.
What To Expect This Week
Wednesday looks like a cool-down and dry-out day as high pressure settles in, dropping highs back into the low 70s. Another system late in the week will bring rain chances up again Thursday into Friday, and the forecast suggests the heaviest rounds may arrive Thursday night into Friday. If clouds and rain hang around, highs will likely be held in the 60s. A slow warm-up should follow by Sunday, with afternoon temperatures climbing into the mid 70s.
Fire Safety And Burn Bans
Because dry air and gusty winds are teaming up, officials are reminding residents that outdoor burning could be restricted in some counties and that escaped debris burns have already led to large fires earlier this spring. County boards can issue burn bans, and burning during an active ban is unlawful in those areas, so it is crucial to check local rules before lighting anything. For more on burn-ban criteria and county-level restrictions, see state guidance from the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture.
Quick Tips
Keep water handy and stay hydrated during the hottest part of the afternoon, secure patio furniture and other lightweight items before the winds crank up, and push any planned outdoor burning to a calmer, more humid day. If you have outdoor events scheduled for Tuesday afternoon or evening, line up an indoor backup plan and keep an eye on local forecasts. Local emergency management and the NWS will issue watches and warnings if conditions start to escalate.
