Oklahoma City braces for a brief cooldown as weekend rain showers move in
After another stretch of heat, forecasters say temperatures in Oklahoma City will stay in the mid-to-high 90s for most of the coming week, with only a slim chance of weak storms during the workweek. Relief is on the horizon, however, as a series of fronts is expected to bring cooler air and rain starting Sunday, Aug. 24, lowering the high into the 80s for several days.
This week’s forecast for Oklahoma City
– Tuesday, Aug. 19: near 98 degrees, with a chance of storms
– Wednesday: around 94 degrees
– Thursday: about 92 degrees
– Friday: around 93 degrees
– Saturday: around 93 degrees
– Sunday: about 89 degrees, with a chance of storms
– Monday: near 84 degrees, with a chance of storms
Popcorn thunderstorms could pop up on Tuesday
Forecasters note modest atmospheric instability that could lead to “popcorn” thunderstorms—small, usually brief, and scattered in the afternoon before fading after sunset.
A front to the south may spark more storms overnight into Wednesday
As a weather front pushes south, southern Oklahoma could see additional thunderstorms overnight into Wednesday. This won’t be a major system, and the Norman forecast area shows about a 40% chance of rain and storms.
Cooling trend builds through the week
Later in the week, a more pronounced cool-down is expected as a weekend front reinforces the relief. By Saturday, many areas could see highs in the 80s, with Sunday bringing a return to cooler air and higher confidence of temperatures staying below the 90-degree mark for the first time in over two weeks.
Longer-range outlook
A northern front could dip temperatures further as we move into midweek, though widespread sub-90 readings aren’t guaranteed. Some southeastern Oklahoma counties may still see lingering heat advisories into the weekend, but the overall pattern points toward noticeably cooler days by the end of the week and into the weekend.
What this means for you
– Outdoor plans: Expect hot afternoons through midweek, with best chances of relief on Sunday and into the weekend as cooler air moves in.
– Thunderstorm safety: Popcorn storms can form quickly and dissipate just as fast. If you hear thunder, seek shelter and avoid open areas during storm time.
– Heat safety: Hydration, light clothing, and frequent breaks in shade are still wise during the peak daytime hours.
Summary
The heat is likely to ease later in the week as a cooling front moves in, bringing a stretch of 80s and reducing the likelihood of daily heat advisories. In the meantime, keep an eye on afternoon thunderstorm chances and stay prepared for brief, scattered storms.
Optional note for readers: With the potential for several weather changes in a short span, keeping a simple weather alert on your phone can help you adjust plans quickly and stay safe outdoors. If you’d like, I can add a brief, reader-friendly summary box for your WordPress post.