Oklahoma City starts Saturday, May 16, under clear skies and temperatures around 70°F, but the calm will not last. Strengthening south winds are expected to push afternoon highs close to 89°F and send gusts into the 30 mph range. A Red Flag Warning kicks in for far‑western Oklahoma this afternoon, and forecasters say the chance for strong to severe storms stretches into early next week.
Afternoon Winds Pick Up
South winds are expected to run 17 to 22 mph Saturday with gusts as high as 33 mph. Sunday may be even breezier, with gusts near 35 to 37 mph across open terrain. The strongest gusts could make outdoor tasks and high‑profile driving tricky and might send unsecured yard gear on a short trip across the lawn. These wind and temperature details, along with the timing for the fire weather alert, come from the National Weather Service Norman.
Fire Weather And Safety
A Red Flag Warning runs from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. CDT this evening for parts of far‑western Oklahoma into western north Texas, where low humidity and gusty southerly winds could allow small fires to spread quickly. If you live west of I‑35, avoid open burning, keep grills and fire pits attended, and secure loose outdoor items. For background on the setup and earlier coverage, see our May 14 piece Red Flag Fire Fears Rise.
Storm Threat Through Early Next Week
The forecast discussion notes a continued risk for strong to severe thunderstorms into Monday and Tuesday as moisture and instability increase across the region. Any storms that form could produce damaging wind gusts, large hail, and brief tornadoes, especially Monday when conditions favor organized storms. Keep an eye on updates from the National Weather Service Norman, since the timing and placement of storms remain uncertain.
Plan ahead: secure outdoor furniture, postpone any planned burns if you are west of I‑35, and expect gusty crosswinds on area bridges and highways this afternoon and evening. If you have outdoor plans tonight or over the weekend, line up a backup indoor spot and check the latest forecasts before heading out.
