Temperatures to be up and down

From Staff Reports

Published: November 18, 2008

A rollercoaster weather pattern is shaping up for Oklahoma this week, with more unseasonably mild days followed by a below-average stretch.

Cooler air has overspread the Southern Plains region this morning in the wake of a cold front that came through on Monday. Light northeasterly winds this morning are expected to shift to southerly winds by late today.

The next big warmup is likely to be on Wednesday when southwesterly winds cause most of the area to warm into the 70s, according to the National Weather Service. The warmer temperatures should not last long, as a Canadian air mass invades the region Wednesday night. Blustery northeasterly winds on Thursday are expected to bring colder air to hold temperatures in the 40s and 50s all day, which would be 20 degrees or more lower than Wednesday's temperatures.

Precipitation chances are likely to be limited despite frequent cold fronts.

Skies should be sunny through Thursday, with highs from the 50s in the northeast to the mid-70s in the Panhandle on Tuesday. Lows tonight are expected to dip into the 30s and 40s.

Temperatures on Wednesday are likely to peak in the 60s and 70s statewide. Highs on Thursday should reach the 40s and 50s during the day and 30s and 40s Thursday night.

Oklahoma City-area forecast

• Today: Sunny. Highs in the mid-50s. Easterly winds about 10 mph, shifting to southerly winds in the afternoon.

• Tonight: Clear. Lows in the lower 40s. Southerly winds 10 to 15 mph.

• Wednesday: Sunny. Highs in the mid-70s. Southwesterly winds 10 to 15 mph.

• Wednesday night: Clear. Lows in the upper 30s. Northeasterly winds 10 to 15 mph.

Your thoughts!