Oklahoma City is starting Wednesday, May 20 under a gray lid of low clouds, light drizzle and dense, patchy fog, with visibility knocked down across much of the metro and temperatures stuck in the mid 50s at Will Rogers World Airport. Drivers can expect a slow go on surface streets and especially on bridges and overpasses where the mist is settling. Clouds are expected to hang tough through the day with spotty showers in the mix, but the real weather headline moves in later this week.
Patchy Fog This Morning
That morning fog and a small chance of showers are forecast to linger into mid morning, with highs only clawing their way into the upper 60s by late Wednesday. For a refresher on how this cool, unsettled pattern set up over the metro, see Hoodline’s look at the recent wind-whipped soaker commute. North northeast winds around 8 to 10 mph will help keep temperatures in check through the afternoon, so it is more light jacket than pool weather for now.
Heavy Rain And Flash Flood Risk Thursday
According to the National Weather Service in Norman, Thursday, May 21 is expected to be the soggiest day of the stretch, with storm total rainfall generally around 1 to 2 inches and localized pockets of 2 to 4 inches possible where thunderstorms repeatedly track over the same areas. That much water in a short window raises a concern for brief flash flooding in low lying or poor drainage spots, particularly along and east of the I 44 corridor.
Rain could begin to creep in late Wednesday night and ramp up during the day Thursday, putting outdoor plans at real risk. If you have anything scheduled outside, from yard work to youth sports, you will want a solid indoor backup.
How This Might Affect Your Plans
Between the fog, drizzle and heavier downpours, drivers should be ready for reduced visibility and pockets of standing water on local streets during the morning and again around any evening downpours. Build in extra time for commutes on Wednesday, and especially on Thursday, May 21 when the heaviest rain is most likely.
Officials urge residents to skip shortcuts through flooded roadways, since even shallow water can hide deeper washouts or stalled cars. Move vulnerable outdoor items indoors ahead of the heavier rain, and consider delaying water sensitive chores like painting or landscaping. Keep wireless alerts enabled on your phone and check updated forecasts before hitting the road or committing to outdoor events.
Weekend Outlook
By Friday, May 22, southerly winds return and temperatures rebound into the upper 70s to low 80s, giving the metro a more typical late May feel. Forecasters at the National Weather Service in Norman note a conditional threat for strong to severe storms from Friday afternoon into Saturday that could produce hail and damaging wind gusts if storms are able to get going.
If storms do develop, some could deliver large hail or strong, gusty winds, so it will be worth keeping an eye on watches and warnings late in the day. Memorial Day, Monday, May 25, trends warmer with a lower overall chance of showers, though scattered storms still remain on the table, so that cookout may need a quick plan B if a rogue cell pops up.
.jpg){kind=link}