Severe weather possible on Thursday

Parts of Oklahoma could see severe weather as a storm system moves across the region.

The National Weather Service said storms could be ongoing early Thursday as the system, low-level moisture, a slow-moving cold front and intense jet stream winds converge in northwestern sections of the state.

Forecasters expect the storms as they march south and east to become better organized near the cold front and for some to reach severe levels on Thursday, mainly near Interstate 44. Large hail and damaging straight-line winds are expected to be the primary threats.

On Wednesday, skies were clear to partly cloudy and temperatures ranged from 74 degrees in Guymon and Ponca City to 85 degrees in Gage. The mercury peaked at 75 degrees in McAlester, Oklahoma City and Stillwater and reached 76 degrees in Enid, Guthrie, Muskogee and Tulsa, forecasters said.

Skies should be mostly cloudy on Thursday, with showers and thunderstorms likely statewide. Highs should range from the winter-like middle 40s in the Panhandle to the lower 70s in southeastern Oklahoma. Lows Thursday night should range from the 30s in the Panhandle to the low 50s in the southeast, forecasters said.

Partly sunny skies are expected on Friday, with a chance of showers and thunderstorms lingering in eastern Oklahoma. Highs should reach the 60s and low 70s.

Partly cloudy conditions will be the rule Saturday through Monday. Temperatures should rise into the 70s and 80s statewide Saturday and Sunday, forecasters said. Lows Saturday night are expected to fall into the 40s and dip into the 40s and 50s Sunday night.

Highs should reach the 80s on Monday and range from the 40s in the Panhandle to the 60s in eastern Oklahoma Monday night, according to the weather service said.