Oklahoma City starts Wednesday near 79 degrees under partly cloudy skies, but temperatures will climb toward 100 this afternoon. A few isolated showers or thunderstorms could develop during the afternoon and evening, though the bigger story is another day of dangerous heat before a wetter, cooler turn arrives this weekend.
The forecast calls for sunny conditions through most of the day, with predominantly south-southwesterly winds by midday and heat index values reaching 103 degrees, according to the National Weather Service. Rain chances remain low at 20%, so most Oklahoma City residents should expect a hot and mostly dry afternoon.
Late-Day Storms Could Bring Sudden Wind Gusts
Any storms that form Wednesday afternoon or evening are expected to be isolated, but stronger cells could produce downburst wind gusts up to 55 mph. Dry vegetation also has officials watching for elevated fire danger near and south of Interstate 40 and west of Interstate 35.
Triple-Digit Heat Hangs On Through Saturday
The heat does not let up quickly: Thursday should reach 98 degrees, Friday 96 and Saturday 98, with overnight lows of 76 and 75 degrees during the period. Thursday will remain hot, making early-morning or evening plans more comfortable than the middle of the day.
Rain Chances Rise Sunday
The forecast finally turns more active Sunday, when shower and thunderstorm chances return and the high reaches 94 degrees. Storm chances rise Sunday night and Monday, while Monday and Tuesday highs are forecast in the 80s and 90s.
People working or exercising outdoors should take frequent breaks, drink water and watch for signs of heat illness.
