Slight chance of Oklahoma storms to begin week interrupts nice weather; Possible fire danger ahead

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Published: November 8, 2009

As any longtime state resident could tell you, an extended period of nice weather in Oklahoma often comes with a catch. An elevated risk for wild and grass fires in the state this afternoon and late this week could provide them another example as the mostly-gorgeous November weather is expected to continue.

Cloudy skies and gusty winds will keep temperatures in Oklahoma today slightly cooler than Saturday and late last week, and a cold front with a slight chance for storms will push temperatures even lower Monday, according to the National Weather Service. But clear skies, dry air and warmer daytime highs return Tuesday and should last through the end of the week.

Strong south winds and temperatures in the upper 70s today in parts of western Oklahoma could lead to a high risk for wildfires, forecasters said. After the brief cool-down Monday, the danger could return and be more widespread as the week wears on and vegetation dries out with the continued warm temperatures.

Another slight chance for rain in Oklahoma could come by the weekend to break the dry pattern again, according to the weather service.

Oklahoma City-area forecast

- Today: Mostly cloudy. High near 74. South winds 14 to 16 mph, gusting to 23 mph.

- Tonight: Cloudy. Low around 58. South winds 6 to 14 mph, gusting to 20 mph. Twenty percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after midnight.

- Monday: Mostly cloudy. High near 69. South-southwest winds 9 mph becoming east. Twenty percent chance of showers.

- Monday night: Mostly cloudy. Low around 49. Calm winds becoming west-northwest around 5 mph. Twenty percent chance of showers.