1 week Ago By Eric Donovan
Residents of Oklahoma City and nearby areas are facing weather warnings that could significantly disrupt their today plans, according to the latest from the National Weather Service. With an overcast sky and a chilly 46°F reading early this morning, those venturing outside faced a definite need for their jackets. However, the weather isn’t just a cold front; the city is looking at a variable climatic day ahead, with conditions expected to clear up and reach a high near 70 by later today.
But as temperatures climb, winds are also expected to pick up speed, gusting as high as 31 mph by the afternoon, as noted by the NWS forecast. Tonight skies will clear with a low around 45 degrees and calmer winds; on the other hand, Saturday and Sunday both will usher in highs in the mid to upper 70s with continued wind, carrying the risk of sudden gusts that could complicate outdoor activities and elevate fire risks as temperatures remain considerably warm for this time of year.This variable weather has prompted the NWS to issue a Red Flag Warning effective from 10 AM to 6 PM CDT today for Logan, Payne, Oklahoma, Lincoln, Grady, McClain, Cleveland, Pottawatomie, Seminole, Hughes, Tillman, Comanche, Stephens, Garvin, Murray, Pontotoc, Coal, Cotton, Jefferson, Carter, Johnston counties in Oklahoma, along with Wilbarger, Wichita, Knox, Baylor, Archer, and Clay counties in Texas.
Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly. Outdoor burning is not recommended. With anticipated winds between 15 to 20 mph, gusting up to 40 mph, and relative humidity as low as 10 percent, residents in these areas should exercise caution and avoid activities that could ignite a fire.
Conditions are ripe for "critical fire weather conditions," as the combination of strong winds, low moisture, and warmth contributes to the possibility of extreme fire behavior; the NWS warns that fuels like vegetation are dry and abundant, making the potential for ignition all the more probable. Heading into the night, weather dynamics shift slightly with a 20 percent chance of showers entering the forecast by Tuesday night, though the early part of the week will see sunny skies with highs pushing towards 80 degrees. Fluctuations in conditions will be something for the local community to contend with, especially as they impact fire risks and outdoor planning.
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