A 4th Of July Front Brings Heat Relief; Storms Moving Through Part Of NE Okla.

A few storms are moving through Green Country Wednesday evening. A severe thunderstorm warning was issued for Mayes and Rogers County before it was cancelled at 7:15 p.m.

A break from the heat and humidity arrives Friday and Saturday.

What are the storm chances in Oklahoma on Wednesday, July 3?

Northern Oklahoma will experience hot and humid conditions, with excessive heat warnings and advisories in effect despite the presence of a few more clouds and the weak front. Wednesday afternoon an upper-level wave approaching from the west will trigger additional showers and storms from the Front Range of the Rockies to the central plains.

Later Wednesday afternoon and evening, near the stalled boundary, a few storms will develop and may become strong to severe. Some mature storms may produce hail and damaging wind downbursts.

The likelihood of storms will be around 20 to 30% along Highway 412, including the Tulsa metro area, and higher probabilities (40 to 50%) near the Oklahoma and Kansas state line. The severe storm threat will diminish with the loss of daytime heating, but some showers and storms could continue overnight into early Thursday morning.

What will the weather be like on Thursday, July 4 in Oklahoma?

By Thursday afternoon, a more southward shift of the front is expected, with further storm development by early evening. This front brings a higher probability of scattered strong to severe storms, which may produce damaging wind gusts and hail.

Areas that experience rain could see locally heavy downpours from late Thursday until the pre-dawn hours of Friday. The frontal timing could also affect the 4th of July fireworks displays in the northern third of the state.

What will the weather be like this weekend in Oklahoma?

By early Friday morning, any lingering storms should be weakening and moving across the southern parts of the state. A cooler and drier air mass is anticipated with Friday afternoon highs in the upper 80s across northern Oklahoma and lower 90s in the southeastern region. Drier dew points will gradually spread from north to south on Friday, offering a welcome break from the high heat index values.

Saturday morning lows are expected to fall into the mid-60s, with afternoon highs in the lower 90s. This slightly drier air should persist for most of Saturday, with no significant heat index anticipated.

However, south winds will return by late afternoon and evening, bringing low-level moisture back into the area by Sunday with afternoon highs reaching the mid-90s. Unfortunately, the heat index is expected to approach 100 to 105 by Sunday afternoon.

The mean upper-level ridge's position early next week will continue to permit a northwesterly upper air flow near the state. This pattern could enable a storm complex to approach the state by Sunday night, potentially bringing further severe threats near or west of the area.

EMSA HEAT SAFETY TIPS:

1. PRE-HYDRATION is key in preventing heat-related illness. Drink plenty of water or electrolyte replacement drinks several hours before and during long exposure to the summer heat.
2. Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing and a wide-brimmed hat if working outdoors, and take plenty of shade breaks.
3. No alcohol or caffeine.
4. If you do not have air conditioning, find a cooling station or public space (such as libraries or malls) during the day.
5. Don’t limit your use of air conditioning.
6. Use the buddy system if working outdoors and check on elderly neighbors.
7. Keep a cell phone on you at all times when outdoors, including walking, running daily errands, yard work or sports and physical activity.

Outages Across Oklahoma:

Northeast Oklahoma has various power companies and electric co-operatives, many with overlapping areas of coverage. Below is a link to various outage maps.

Oklahoma Association of Electric Cooperatives Outage Map - (Note Several Smaller Co-ops Included)

The Alan Crone morning weather podcast link from Spotify:

The Alan Crone morning weather podcast link from Apple:

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