Oklahoma City rolled into Thursday, April 23, 2026, under a blanket of clouds and mild air, starting near 69°F with a quick climb into the low 80s on tap this afternoon. A rowdy south wind will be doing most of the talking, with sustained speeds in the upper teens making it feel breezier than the thermometer suggests. A slight chance of showers and isolated thunderstorms arrives after 4 PM, with a stronger round expected overnight as storms drift in from southern Kansas toward Friday morning.
Afternoon Winds Pick Up
According to the National Weather Service in Norman, south winds will run around 18 to 24 mph this afternoon with gusts up to 37 mph, and highs near 82°F. Forecasters are watching a sharpening dryline that could fire off isolated severe storms east of it; while the afternoon rain chance sits at about 20%, very dry and windy conditions will turn western Oklahoma into a fire weather concern. A Red Flag Warning is in effect for parts of western Oklahoma from noon to 9 PM CDT, so where that warning is posted, skip open burning and use extra caution with yard work and equipment that could spark.
Tonight's Severe Threat
We flagged this setup in thick fog and rowdy south winds yesterday, and the risk has not backed off. The forecast calls for a more organized round of storms to roll in overnight, and any line or cluster that develops could bring damaging wind gusts, large hail and a few localized tornadoes in stronger cells. New rainfall totals of a quarter to a half inch are possible where storms train or linger over the same spots.
How To Prepare
Before the gusts really get going, secure loose outdoor furniture and lightweight items that could turn into airborne projectiles, and hold off on any open burning in western parts of the state today. Drivers, especially those in high profile vehicles, should be ready for sudden crosswinds along I‑35 and I‑40 and budget extra time for evening travel if storms pop. Keep an eye on updates from the National Weather Service in Norman and local officials for any watches or warnings that might land on your part of the metro.
