Oklahoma City is starting Friday, July 31, under mostly clear skies and temperatures near 79°F, but the calm morning will give way to a dangerous afternoon. Highs are expected to reach about 104°F, with heat-index values climbing as high as 114°F during the hottest part of the day.
Extreme Heat Arrives By Noon
An Extreme Heat Warning is in effect from noon to 9 p.m. Friday across Oklahoma City and much of the surrounding area, according to the National Weather Service. West-southwest winds around 12 mph will accompany the heat, offering little relief as temperatures push past 100°F from early afternoon into the evening.
Residents should limit strenuous outdoor activity, wear lightweight clothing and take frequent breaks in shade or air conditioning. Children and pets should never be left in unattended vehicles, where temperatures can become lethal within minutes.
Storms Could Bring Damaging Wind
A cold front will move into central Oklahoma during the afternoon, bringing a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. While rain coverage is expected to remain limited, the NWS Norman forecast discussion says storms developing near or south of Interstate 40 could produce damaging wind gusts of 65 to 70 mph.
The strongest storm potential is expected from late afternoon into the evening, with activity weakening later Friday night. Winds may shift sharply from the southwest to the north as the front passes, and the overnight low should fall to around 73°F.
Weekend Brings A Brief Break
Saturday should feel noticeably less punishing, with sunny skies, a high near 92°F and north winds that could gust to around 20 mph. Sunday will stay sunny with another high near 92°F and a low around 71°F.
The cooler spell will not last long: Monday rises to about 96°F, followed by highs near 99°F Tuesday and around 98°F Wednesday and Thursday. Rain chances remain near zero through most of next week, keeping heat and sun as the main forecast story.
