Stormy weather expected today

From Staff Reports

Published: November 5, 2008

A weather change is forecast to arrive today, ushering in cooler temperatures and a chance for thunderstorms.

A springlike dryline and cold front is expected to accompany the system, raising the possibility of severe weather mostly near and east of Interstate 35. Areas that don't see rain will struggle with the danger of fires spreading out of control because of the wind, according to the National Weather Service.

Skies today are likely to be mostly cloudy, with a chance of rain and thunderstorms in western, central and eastern Oklahoma. Some of the storms may be severe. Highs should range from the low 60s in the Panhandle to the low 80s in the southwest and lows should range from the 30s in the Panhandle to the 50s in the southeast.

Mostly sunny skies are expected to return on Thursday, but a slight chance of rain and thunderstorms will remain for far eastern and southeastern Oklahoma. Highs should reach the 50s and 60s.

Wildfire danger today will be very high across western Oklahoma this afternoon as drier air and strong southwest winds move in behind the dry line.

A wind advisory is effective until 6 p.m. today for Beckham, Custer, Dewey, Ellis, Greer, Harmon, Harper, Kiowa, Roger Mills, Washita, Woods and Woodward counties.

A wind advisory means sustained winds between 25 and 39 mph and/or gusts up to 57 mph are expected, which may make driving difficult.

A red flag warning is effective until 6 p.m. today for Beckham, Dewey, Ellis, Harper, Major, Roger Mills and Woods counties.

A red flag warning means dangerous conditions exist that are creating wildfire growth potential. Conditions include sustained winds averaging at least 20 mph, relative humidity of 20 percent or less and a temperature more than 65 degrees.

A lake wind advisory will be effective from noon to 6 p.m. today for McCurtain County.

A lake wind advisory means winds will cause rough chop. Small boats will be prone to capsizing.

• Today: Mostly cloudy. Highs in the mid-70s. Southerly winds 20 to 30 mph. Thirty percent chance of rain and isolated thunderstorms in the morning. Slight chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon.

• Tonight: Partly cloudy. Lows in the upper 40s. Southerly winds 15 to 25 mph, before slowing to 10 mph after midnight. Fifty percent chance of thunderstorms, before changing to slight chance of thunderstorms after midnight.

• Thursday: Sunny. Highs in the upper 60s. Westerly winds 10 to 15 mph.

• Thursday night: Clear. Lows in the upper 30s. Light and variable.

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