Oklahoma Weather: Rain Returns as Summer Ridge Weakens
The mid-level ridge that’s been the dominant feature across most of the state over the past few days will continue to weaken and shift away from our area as a broad upper-level trough moves across the northern and central High Plains.
This evolving pattern will eventually bring an increased chance of rain and thunderstorms to parts of northern Oklahoma, including the Tulsa metro.
Will It Start to Feel Cooler?
The combination of cloud cover and rising rain and storm chances will help ease temperatures back toward seasonal norms for the latter half of the week. After today, highs will trend into the 80s through part of the weekend. While this system won’t bring a true fall air mass, some locally cooler conditions are possible, especially in areas that receive rain-cooled air.
What Can We Expect This Afternoon?
Wednesday's highs are still expected to reach the lower to mid 90s across most of the area, with partly to mostly sunny skies and a light south breeze around 5 to 10 mph becoming more westerly.
By this afternoon, daytime heating and abundant moisture could spark a few additional isolated showers and storms. The overall coverage of the scattered storms will remain sparse like the past few days.
Even though afternoon chances remain low, if a storm develops in your area, it may have locally heavy rainfall and very gusty downburst-type winds.
When Will Rain Chances Start to Increase?
Later tonight into early Thursday, there’s potential for more showers and storms approaching from the north or northwest, even though initially most of this activity may also remain west of our immediate area Thursday morning.
Temperatures Thursday morning will start in the upper 60s, with highs reaching the mid to upper 80s in most spots. Parts of southeastern Oklahoma could still reach the lower 90s.
Rain and storm chances will increase through the day, especially by Thursday afternoon and evening.
Pockets of heavy downpours are possible, and one or two strong to near-severe storms could develop, with damaging wind gusts being the primary concern.
Could Storms Linger into Friday?
Yes, some rain and thunder will remain in the forecast for at least the morning hours.
No significant front is expected, but as outflow boundaries move southward, they could trigger additional rain and thunder chances late Thursday night into early Friday morning.
Friday morning lows will be in the upper 60s, with highs in the mid-80s. After the early morning to midday hours, most precipitation will shift southward into southern Oklahoma and parts of North Texas by late afternoon.
A few scattered showers or storms may linger late Friday afternoon and evening, which could impact Friday Night Football plans, but the chance remains closer to 20% for Friday evening.
The Weekend Outlook
This weekend continues to carry the potential for showers and storms. Morning lows will be in the upper 60s, with daytime highs in the mid-80s.
The upper-level flow will shift to a more northwesterly pattern, which tends to favor additional storm systems nearing the area.
As mentioned in previous forecast updates, increasing rain and thunder chances can’t be ruled out for part of the weekend.
While probabilities remain relatively low for Saturday, we've increased the probabilities for Sunday and they may trend upward in future updates, so be sure to check back for the latest.
Will Rain Impact the Turnpike Classic?
The Oklahoma State Cowboys host the Tulsa Golden Hurricane on Friday night for the Turnpike Classic. Tailgating in Stillwater Friday afternoon will be in the mid-80s, with a chance for a few scattered showers or storms.
Kickoff temperatures will be near 82°, dropping into the mid-70s by the end of the game. A 20 percent chance for scattered showers or storms will remain in play during game time.
What’s the Forecast for the Sooners’ SEC Opener?
The University of Oklahoma Sooners open SEC conference play against the Auburn Tigers Saturday afternoon. Tailgating temperatures will be in the mid to upper 70s, with game time readings mostly in the lower 80s.
A few showers or storms will be possible Saturday morning through midday but should begin shifting southward by Saturday evening. The chance of rain during the game remains near or below 20 percent.
Lake Levels
If you're making some lake recreation plans, here's an update on our area lake levels. You can look up specific lake levels anytime on our website here: https://www.newson6.com/story/5e367cbd2f69d76f6208fbb6/oklahoma-lake-levels
The Illinois River Near Tahlequah 
River levels should remain around 5' give or take a little bit though the next few days.
The Morning Weather Podcast:
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Emergency Info: Outages Across Oklahoma:
Northeast Oklahoma has various power companies and electric cooperatives, many of which have overlapping areas of coverage. Below is a link to various outage maps.
- PSO Outage Map
- OG&E Outage Map
- VVEC Outage Map
- Indian Electric Cooperative (IEC) Outage Map
- Oklahoma Association of Electric Cooperatives Outage Map — (Note: Several Smaller Co-ops Included)