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• WEATHER BLOG
March 11, 2010
The first tornado of the season in Hammon, OK was ranked an EF-2. Yesterday, we really dodged the severe weather here in Oklahoma, but Arkansas got hit hard. In fact, one person was killed. Hopefully this is not a sign of an active tornado season! ~ Danielle
March 8, 2010
We had our first tornado of the 2010 season. It touched down today in Hammon, OK around 5:25 PM. It was on the ground for about 20 minutes. It destroyed the county barn, at least 5 houses, and took down lots of power lines. If you have any pictures please send them to pics@okcfox.com! Welcome to severe weather season! ~ Danielle
February 28, 2010
Well it is severe weather awareness week and what better way to finish it off then to introduce you to Skywarn Storm Spotters. Tonight, I will introduce you to one of these people and also show you how you can become a spotter. One thing I will say is they are not the same as storm chasers. Spotters stay stationary and observe storms while chasers follow the storms around. Watch tonight at 9 to find out more! ~ Danielle
February 22, 2010
The StormWatch Weather Team is ready for our 2010 severe weather season and we also want you to be as prepared as possible. We'll keep dishing out tips all week but for a quick reference, please visit this site courtesy of our Norman NWS...
http://www.srh.noaa.gov/oun/?n=swaw
Jeff
February 21, 2010
Since Severe Weather Awareness Week has started, I thought I would start by talking about what a Severe Thunderstorm Warning is and how it has changed for this upcoming severe weather season. A Severe Thunderstorm Warning was issued in the past if a thunderstorm had 3/4" inch hail and/or winds sustained of 58 mph or greater. However, it was debated that the hail size criteria may have been too small and that too many warnings were being issued that weren't necessarily warranted. So as of January 5th, 2010 the National Weather Service changed the hail criteria to be 1" or the size of quarters. I do think this change was a good one because now a Severe Thunderstorm Warning I think will be taken more seriously. I mean hail the size of quarters can do some damage! ~ Danielle
February 19, 2010
Did you know that next week is Severe Weather Awareness Week In Oklahoma? Yes it is and it is time to prepare. Over 80% of our yearly tornadoes happen from March to June, with May being the favorite month. So have you put together your severe weather plan yet? To learn more about severe weather and what to do go to the National Weather Service Awareness page at: http://www.srh.noaa.gov/oun/?n=swaw. Also, please continue to read our blogs as we (Jeff, Jon, and myself) will be blogging about severe weather next week! ~ Danielle
February 17, 2010
Wow, this winter has been pretty active for us in Oklahoma City. Normally, Oklahoma averages 8.6" of snow every winter. This year because of the Christmas Eve Blizzard we had the snowiest December on record of 14" breaking the previous record of 9" in 1914. We also had the record storm total snowfall of 13.5" on December 24, 2009. As for the total seasonal snowfall records right now we are tied for 6th Highest Total Snowfall with 20.4". To break the record of 25.2" set back in the winter season of 1947-1948, we need 4.8" more of snow. I wonder if we will break it? By the way, we aren't the only area in the US seeing all-time snowfall records being broken. Washington DC broke their all-time total snowfall of 54.4" in the winter of 1898-1899 from the last snow storm. This season they have 55.9"! Also, Baltimore, MD broke their record of 62.5" set back in the winter of 1995-1996 and now this season has 79.9"! I think everyone is ready for spring now! ~ Danielle
January 27, 2010
So, what can we do now to get ready for winter weather?
Each family should have a plan of how you will deal with a major winter storm. Think about it now before you really need to put the plan into action.
With holiday travel season coming up, it’s more critical than ever to keep up with the weather, from home to your destination and everywhere in between. If winter precipitation is forecast, you might consider delaying the trip to avoid being caught in a dangerous situation. Even small amounts of freezing drizzle, sleet or snow can cause significant travel problems.
An winter storm safety kit will be critical to your safety should a major winter storm cause you to lose electrical power and/or water service. A three-day supply of essential supplies, including water and food for the family, batteries, flashlights and medical supplies, should be in place and checked frequently. This supply kit will be the same one you should have on hand during tornado season. In addition, if you have to travel this winter you should have an emergency survival kit in your vehicle as well.
NWS offices serving the people of Oklahoma work hard to get the word out as far in advance as possible when winter storms approach. Whether you get your information from television and radio, the Internet or weather radio, you should keep up to date on the latest forecasts and warnings.
One of the items that should be in everyone’s disaster supplies kit is a battery operated weather radio. Weather radio is a service of your National Weather Service office and provides round the clock weather information, including all the latest winter weather information.
~ Jeff
January 14, 2010
Severe weather season not too far away! Even though it's still in the heart of Winter it's not too early to get ready for Oklahoma's severe weather season. Our biggest severe weather threat is generally from mid March through mid June. This is when certain weather conditions come together for severe weather on a regular basis. However, severe weather can strike any time of year and any time of day if and when the conditions come together. Remember it was just last February 10 when a major tornado outbreak struck central Oklahoma. We also experience a second but smaller spike in severe weather reports during the Fall. It's the clash of the seasons when severe weather is most likely during those months when warm and cold air mix.
The National Weather Service has storm spotter training every year leading up to our main severe weather season. The first session is coming up on January 26 in Coalgate. Here is the 2010 list for severe weather training this year conducted by the folks at the National Weather Service. Stay prepared, informed and safe this severe weather season!
Jon
2010 Storm Spotter Training Schedule
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January 10, 2010
Well, we have been under a cold snap the last couple of days. In fact we have had lows in the single digits for 3 days straight with this morning being the coldest of a low of 6 degrees! The last time we saw the single digits at the airport was on January 28, 2009. That is before this past Friday morning. As far as three days in a row with lows in the single digits, the closest I could find in the past 5 years was December 7,8,9 of 2005 but December 7th the low was 12 and only December 8th & 9th were in the single digits. These cold conditions are definitely unusual for Oklahoma! ~ Danielle
January 5, 2010
Arctic blast on it's way!
This all started in the Fall like every year cold air starts to build up in the Arctic regions of Alaska and Canada. But this year was a little different in that the jet stream dipped south bringing cold air south into the lower 48 states real early! October was the 2nd coldest on record here in OKC and the coldest in the central plains on record. During November the jet stream, which is the upper level winds that control the weather, kept the real cold air north and we enjoyed mild weather conditions for most of the month. However, during the month of December the jet stream changed again and waves of cold air swept south into the plains every few days. The strongest surge of cold air occurred right before Christmas as as an intense low pressure system formed on the Arctic front as it was moving into Oklahoma. The result was a record setting snow storm with a foot of snow and 60 mph winds on Christmas eve shutting down OKC. A true blizzard!
Now here we are in January watching yet another cold blast developing up in Canada. But this one is different because it's not just a piece or chunk of the cold air dome breaking off as we've seen in the past. It looks like the entire mass of cold air that has been sitting up in the Arctic since October is coming down this time. It's the "Mother load' of cold air dropping south. Not much moisture with it but expect the coldest air of the season so far arriving with this front Wednesday night and lasting into Saturday. I have checked the current low records for the dates of Jan 7, 8 and 9th and they are -3, -4, and -2 respectively. This may not be a record cold outbreak coming but it will be close! Stay tuned.
Jon
January 3, 2010
OK weather in 2009 was busy but not out of control compared to our active and crazy history.
The Norman NWS was a great partner and did a great job handling every significant weather event that came down the pike. They were also nice enough to compile the following highlights for all of us...
- The "Lone Grove" EF-4 tornado was the deadliest tornado on record in February in the state of Oklahoma (8 fatalities). It was also the first violent tornado (F4 or F5) on record in February in the state of Oklahoma. This tornado was the 7th deadliest tornado overall in Oklahoma since 1950, and the deadliest since May 3, 1999.
- The "Lone Grove" EF-4 tornado was the deadliest tornado in the United States in 2009. Likewise, February 10, 2009 was the deadliest tornado day in the United States in 2009.
- The February tornadoes that occurred this year were the first ones to occur in Oklahoma in the month of February since 2000.
- February 2009 ties with February 1975 for the most tornadoes in Oklahoma during the month of February (6 tornadoes) since official records began in 1950.
- Oklahoma had 34 tornadoes in 2009. This is well below the average of 54 tornadoes per year. It is the lowest yearly tornado total for the state of Oklahoma since 2006 (27), and only 3 of the 18 years from 1991-2008 had lower totals than this.
- The 4 tornadoes in Oklahoma in May 2009 is the 3rd lowest monthly tornado total for May in Oklahoma since 1950 (tied with 1967 and 1958).
- No tornadoes occurred in the 8 counties in western North Texas serviced by the NWS in Norman, OK for the first time since 1996. These counties include: Archer, Baylor, Clay, Foard, Hardeman, Knox, Wichita, and Wilbarger.
- This was the third consecutive year that at least one tornado touched down in Oklahoma County; the county has experienced 6 tornadoes over the past three years.
- 26.0 inches of snow observed by both the Woodward and Freedom cooperative observing sites during the March 27-28, 2009 blizzard set all time 24-hour snowfall records for the state of Oklahoma. The existing record was 23.0 inches in 24 hours.
- 4th highest single day rainfall total in Oklahoma history - April 29, 2009 - Burneyville, Oklahoma - 12.42". According to the Oklahoma Climatological Survey, "The deluge also eclipsed several return-period rain levels, such as the 500-year 1-day, 24-hour and 12-hour amounts."
- In July, Freedom broke and Buffalo tied their all time daily record highs with temperature readings hitting 115 degrees. Buffalo, OK had the highest average daily temperature on July 10, 2009 in Oklahoma Mesonet history (dating back to 1994). That same date, 73 Oklahoma Mesonet stations had triple digit heat.
- The heat of July 10th was a bit odd in that the Buffalo, OK Mesonet site was already exceeding 90 degrees at 6:00am, and it hit 107 degrees by 11:00am.
Fasten your seatbelts, 2010 is off to a busy start...stay tuned!
~ Jeff
December 23, 2009
Since the weather maps have been very wish washy and all over the place the last 24 hours I don't have much confidence in this forecast but at the same time I can't ignore this new track and I am concerned.
With Arctic air rushing into the storm system Thursday morning as the storm moves across Oklahoma it begins to intensify rapidly! Rain could change to snow in central Oklahoma late Wednesday night and end on Thursday early afternoon as the storm pulls away. Some accumulation of snow is possible depending on the exact track and how fast cold air arrives. There are many uncertain factors still to be considered and we will watch this closely and have a new and improved forecast later today as new data comes in. Hopefully we will get a better handle on the situation. It still looks to me by looking at all the weather factors playing into the movement of the upper storm system that the storm really doesn't get real strong until it's northeast of Oklahoma but at least one computer guidance says otherwise so we will just watch it closely. No need to go crazy right now we still have all day and tonight to make changes.
As the storm moves away Thursday afternoon bitter cold air will surge southeast into Oklahoma for the Christmas holiday! Dry but very cold temps likely Friday and Saturday with very low winds chills likely Thursday night and Friday with strong northwest winds.
Stay tuned for more updates as I'm sure this forecast will change again!
Jon
December 14, 2009
I'm dreaming of a white Christmas...
Winter weather is in full swing this December. It's an active weather pattern with strong Arctic and Canadian fronts surging south into the plains every few days. So far not much if any moisture involved with these systems but that could change at any moment. It's quiet through the weekend but looking at satellite trends and the latest computer forecast several storm systems are forming off the west coast of the United States and are moving east. At the very same time the cold air in place over the lower 48 extends all the way to Canada and Alaska. Temps in Alaska as cold as 30 below zero! The combination of storm systems tracking across the U. S. and cold air locked into place could mean a wintry forecast at times next week. Too early to call obviously since it's 10 or more days away but this trend needs to be watched closely as we head into the holidays.
There seems to be what we call a split flow developing in the jet stream. This is when the northern jet or polar jet tracks across the northern U. S. with a weaker but still significant southern jet across the south. Often times we get nailed with this kind of set up as the northern branch delivers the cold air and the southern branch gets the moisture involved. But this is a very tricky forecast as how these two jets interact with each other will mean the difference between a powerhouse storm system and a dud or glancing blow.
One thing is for sure, it's fun and exciting to have a weather pattern like this just in time for the holidays. Yes, it could mean travel problems but it also might mean a white Christmas for some of us. We normally don't get snow or have snow on the ground for Christmas in Oklahoma but this year with this weather pattern our chances go up from 10% to 20%! It most likely won't happen but I'm still dreaming!
Jon
December 6, 2009
Well even though it looks like we aren't going to see much in the way of winter weather with this next storm system, the northeast got hammered by a major winter storm this past weekend. Snow fell from Maryland all the way up to Maine. My old tv market Salisbury, MD saw a trace of snow on Saturday and my hometown of Lansdale, PA saw about 2 1/2 inches. Parts of New Jersey, New York, and Connecticut saw up to 7 inches of snow. Hopefully we will see some snow here in Oklahoma soon!
~ Danielle
December 4, 2009
Why did it snow in southern Oklahoma and rain in Oklahoma City? We can get wintry precipitation of all different forms from all different kinds of ways. Trying to forecast the difference between rain, sleet, freezing rain and snow is often one of the hardest predictions to make.
Sometimes we can get snow when the surface temps are above freezing. This can occur near the track of a strong upper level storm system. This is because an upper level storm system is just a bunch of very cold in the mid and upper levels of the atmosphere or sometimes we say "cold air aloft". So when a strong upper level storm is approaching very cold air aloft can change the rain to snow just above the surface and then sometimes if the precipitation is heavy enough the snow can reach all the way to ground level as it cools the surface temps down.
The other day that strong upper storm system with very cold air aloft tracked from Lubbock Texas through northern Texas into far southern Oklahoma and then into southwestern Arkansas. Along that path the rain changed to wet snow with some accumulations as the cold air cooled the atmosphere all the way to ground level. However, north of the track of the storm system the air was not that cold aloft and plain rain fell as temps were above freezing through a deep layer in the atmosphere. Does that make sense? I want to point out that this is a very difficult forecast to make. Many times even if the upper storm system tracks right over head the change over to snow never takes place. Touch call for weather forecasters to make!
Don't try this at home! Jon
November 20, 2009
Did you know on this day in 1988, heavy snow fell across northwest and north-central Oklahoma. Nine inches of snow fell in the Panhandle, while five to seven inches fell in parts of northern Oklahoma. Believe it or not, blizzard conditions were reported in Woodward and Dewey Counties when visibilities fell to less than 50 feet. Wow talk about a blinding snow storm. I wonder when we here will see our snow? Predictions anyone? ~ Danielle
November 19, 2009
The Thanksgiving Holiday is approaching and the weather is calm and rested like just after a delicious Thanksgiving meal. As forecasters we look to the upper level wind flow to try and determine the type of weather coming in. We call this the "jet stream". This is where we find the strongest core of winds within the upper flow.
October was one of the coldest if not the coldest on record in the plains states as the "jet stream" was delivering cold Canadian air south from Canada into Oklahoma. However, in November that all changed! The flow of air has been more of a west to east flow from the Pacific Ocean right across the central United States. This is forcing milder oceanic air from over the Pacific Ocean east across the Rockies and into the plains. Oceanic air is much milder than Canadian or Arctic air and thus it's been much milder in November! It's all about where the air is 'born' from. If air comes from the Arctic obviously it's real cold. But if air originates from over large bodies of water like the Pacific it's warmer because water tends to modify the air above it.
This west to east or 'zonal" flow looks to continue through the Thanksgiving Holiday period. So this means generally a mild and dry forecast. We will see some fronts drop south but the real deal cold stuff stays locked up way north as long as we continue with the zonal flow.
Right now my first educated guess for Thanksgiving Day in OKC is sunny with a low 37 and a high of 59 degrees! The surrounding states will also have great weather for folks visiting relatives for the holiday. Stay tuned though because the weather pattern can change quick!
Jon
November 10, 2009
Today is Winter Weather Preparedness Day in Oklahoma. The awareness day is a partnership between the National Weather Service and state and local emergency management, and gives us all an opportunity to remind people about the hazardous weather winter can bring and ways to stay informed and safe.
Here's a link to the NWS winter weather safety page...
http://www.srh.noaa.gov/oun/wxsafety/winterwx/
Let us know if you'd like any more info...weather@okcfox.com
~ Jeff
November 8, 2009
We are watching the Gulf of Mexico right now. As of the latest update, Hurricane Ida was upgraded to a Category 2 hurricane. Its latest predicated path has it making landfall along the Gulf Coast. In fact, hurricane warnings are now in effect from Mississippi to the panhandle of Florida. This has been a slow hurricane season and it is officially coming to an end November 30th. We have only had two other hurricanes this season. With less than month left, it looks like this hurricane season may be a dud.
~ Danielle
October 28, 2009
Continuing on the wet weather theme here...October is coming to a close and no surprise it's been a wet month. Here is another rain check for you. This information is from Will Rogers World Airport where the "official" records are still kept. 5.63" of rain has fallen at the airport this month. It's unlikely that any more rain will fall before the end of the month so this is the final total. This is 2.17" above average. The wettest October on record was way back in 1983 (well not that far back for you older folks like me) where we had an astounding 13.18" of rain! The driest October was back in 1958 with just a trace of precipitation measured.
No snow was reported this month. In 1913 (talk about way back) there was 1.3" of snow in Oklahoma City and that was the highest total of snow for October on record. Most Octobers we don't see any snow.
As for the year our running rain total is now at 33.53". This is 2.26" above average! Remember it wasn't long ago (like last July) that we had a rain deficit of over 6". Maybe that's why Will Rogers once said "If you don't like the weather just wait 5 minutes". What will this Winter bring? Who knows?
Jon
October 14, 2009
So after a wet September, October is turning out to be no different! In fact, we have seen rain for 11 out of the 14 days! We already have 3.22 inches for the month which puts us above the normal average by 1.52 inches and we still have half the month left to go! One day we actually received 2.39 inches! Wow some impressive figures if you ask me! As for temperatures we have been below average 12 days out of the month. We should be right around 74 degrees! Hopefully, things will change for the second half of the month! I would really like to see some more sunshine and warmer temperatures!
~ Danielle
October 9, 2009
A big chill is on the way this weekend and parts of Oklahoma may be flirting with near freezing temps Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday mornings. This would not be a record-setting event. But it is really early in the season for this possibility since the average first freeze for OKC is the first week of November.
11/04
Oklahoma City Freeze Data
Last and First Freezes (1891-2004)
Last Freeze
Earliest
Latest
Average
2/21/1905
5/03/1954
3/30
First Freeze
Earliest
Latest
Average
10/07/1952
12/08/1998
Here is a link to a map with the Last and First Freeze info for all of Oklahoma: http://www.srh.noaa.gov/oun/climate/freeze/oklahoma.php
Enjoy and stay warm...it's that time of year!
~ Jeff
October 4, 2009
We are now starting the month of October, but I wanted to look back to the month of September because I remember thinking man it rained a lot! We actually finished up with 4.62" of rain which is about the normal by .64" inches. It actually rained 12 days out of the month and two of the days we received more than an inch of rain! Compare that to September of 2008 and we only saw 7 days of rain with a total of only .59" of rain for the month. We went from abnormally dry to wetter than normal. I thought it was interesting, and we will have to see what October has in store. I mean, so far it has been wet! ~ Danielle
September 25, 2009
Happy Fall everyone! That's right Fall arrived this past Tuesday at 4:18 pm. Fall is marked by the direct rays of the Sun shinning down directly over the equator. We call this the Autumnal Equinox. From this point on until the 1st day of Winter which is called the Winter Solstice the direct rays of the Sun drop down into the southern Hemisphere and our days get shorter and shorter as the Sun gets lower in the sky and sets earlier each day. When the direct rays shine on 22.5 degrees south latitude that's the Winter Solstice and the 1st day of Winter. Then the direct rays start moving back north again and the days get longer. When they reach the Equator it's called the Vernal Equinox or the 1st day of Spring and then on the 1st day of Summer, Summer Solstice, the direct rays reach 22.5 degrees north latitude and then it starts all over again. An interesting note is that in Winter the Earth is actually closer to the Sun than in Summer. Then why is it colder in Winter? Well the Earth is tilted on it's axis! In our Winter the northern hemisphere is tilted away from the sun that's why the direct rays move south and it's colder here. In our Summer the northern hemisphere is tilted toward the Sun and we get more direct rays here. So it's warmer even though the earth is actually further away from the Sun. So you see it's bound to start getting colder as we are getting less direct rays from the Sun. It's the lack of sunlight that signals the leaves to change colors not the temperature!
Another sign of fall is the Oklahoma State Fair! Enjoy! Jon
September 12, 2009
Recently, I got the chance to visit the SPC which stands for the Storm Prediction Center in Norman, OK. If you haven't visited the beautiful building on the campus of OU, you really should! It not only has the SPC there, but the local National Weather Service Office of Norman, OK is there and meteorology students at OU attend classes in the building. The SPC has a team of meteorologists and computer scientists that work together to protect American people from hazard. Did you know that the SPC is responsible for issuing all the severe thunderstorm watches and tornado watches for the 48 contiguous states? That is a pretty hefty responsibility if you ask me! If you would like to check out the SPC website, here it is: http://www.spc.noaa.gov/ ~ Danielle
September 3, 2009
El Nino conditions are back in the Pacific and may be in full force this winter. What does that mean for OK?
Well, that kind of depends on where you live. In general, a strong El Nino event means that most of OK will receive above average precipitation. But winter is still pretty far down the road, so these conditions are subject to change...so don't stock up on the snow blowers or rock salt just yet.
Here are more details...http://www.srh.noaa.gov/oun/climate/elnino.php
~ Jeff
August 23, 2009
Well, even though we have had a couple of gorgeous days here in Oklahoma City, we have really gotten a lot of rain for the month of August. Our normal average should be 1.70" and we are already have had 5.37" which is more than 3 times where we should be! Plus, we still have 8 more days left in August and there are rain chances this week! However, last August was very wet too with 9.51". That is almost 2 times where we are at now, so I guess Oklahoma City is used to the wetter than average August. ~ Danielle
August 13, 2009
Has it been a very hot Summer so far? Well it's always hot here in Summer but looking back in history will make this Summer feel not so hot! On any given summer we average about 10.5 days at 100 or hotter here in OKC as measured by Will Rogers World Airport over the last 100 years or so. So far this Summer we have seen 11 days at 100 or hotter. So really just about an average Summer so far. Now obviously we still have the rest of August to go and we can hit 100 in September too so it's not over yet. However, as I look at the extended weather maps I am happy to say I don't see any real big heat waves in the making in the near future! In fact so far in August we are averaging about one degree below average! We have also picked up some good rains in late July and August keeping the soil damp which in turn will make it even harder to reach 100 again. Time will tell. By the way back in the Summer of 1980 Will Rogers World Airport recorded 50 days at 100 or hotter! Now this summer really feels cool!
Jon
August 7, 2009
Our exremely hot and humid summer of 2009 can be dangerous to your health if you're not careful outdoors. So that high humidity is bad enough on the outside, but elevated humidity levels inside of your home can lead to mold, mildew, other biological growth...and a variety of other health issues.
Mother Nature has the humidity controls on the outside, however you can control the levels on the inside. Check out these tips from the EPA to help out...http://www.epa.gov/iaq/homes/hip-moisture.html
~ Jeff
August 3, 2009
Well, we have made it into August and you know what I was curious about? Why aren't we having hurricanes? This year we have only had one storm, Tropical Depression 1 at the end of May. However, as I looked back it turns out for the 2006, 2007, and 2008 seasons we have had only 2, 3, and 4 storms respectively before August. 2005 was the busy year where we had 7 tropical systems before August. The slow year was 2004 where we didn't get our first named storm Alex until August 1. So, it really isn't that odd after all! In fact, August and September are the peak months for hurricanes because that is when the ocean water is at the warmest! I guess we will have to wait and see what happens for the rest of the hurricane season! ~ Danielle
July 31, 2009
July is typically the hottest month of the year in OKC and most of the Sooner State. And July 2009 made the grade...and then some. The historical, average high for July is 93.1, and we averaged a whopping 94.5 this past month.
The "abnormal" weather also carried over into the precipitation category for July 2009. We normally average 2.94" of rainfall for the whole month. But this past month we picked up over 3.5 inches of rain.
So in a strange way, it was a hot and wet month...we'll see what August has in store for us!
~ Jeff
July 21, 2009
Severe weather has actually shown up quite a bit this summer mainly in the form of hail and high winds. But tornadoes are always on our list of concerns...historically however, tornadic activity is very few and far between for the rest of summer. And summer-time tornadoes of the past generally show up on the weaker side of the (E)F-scale. Check it out...
F? F0 F1 F2 F3 F4 F5Jul
4 36 42 25 2 0 0 Aug 4 32 30 12 2 0 0 Sep 3 69 23 17 1 2 0Regardless, don't let your guard down this summer...stay safe and stay cool!
~ Jeff
July 8, 2009
We've already had several "tropical" heat waves across the Sooner State this summer. And while we're kind of on the subject of tropical stuff, it's is hurricance season and those systems can sometimes affect Oklahoma in a big way during our summer months.
This website is one that we use to help track those tropical systems. Help yourself...http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/
~Jeff
June 26, 2009
So far only one day officially at or above 100 degrees at Will Rogers World Airport here in Oklahoma City this Summer. Although keep in mind our Summer has only just begun!
Looking back in history it turns out that Oklahoma City hits 100 or hotter about 10.5 days a Summer on average. Here are the top ten hottest Summers since records have been kept for Will Rogers Airport based on # of days at or above 100 degrees......
1980..........50 days at 100 or hotter!
1934..........45
1936..........43
1954..........41
1998..........40
2006..........38
1978..........35
2000..........32
1918..........28
1943..........28
These records go back over 100 years! So you can see we can really have hot Summers. That was one heck of a heat wave back in 1980. If I recall there was a morning back in the Summer of 1980 where Tulsa International did not drop below 90 for a low! All of a sudden our current hot spell does not feel so hot anymore.
Jon
June 23rd, 2009
The Dog Days of Summer are here too doggone early...at least some of us think so! We are looking at some potentially dangerous heat if you are not careful and don't follow our tips to beat the heat.
There are several heat-related injuries and illnesses that you need to be aware of. Here's is some of that valuable info courtesy of NOAA’s National Weather Service, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and the American Red Cross
SUNBURN: Redness and pain. In severe cases swelling of skin, blisters, fever, headaches. First Aid: Ointments for mild cases if blisters appear and do not break. If breaking occurs, apply dry sterile dressing. Serious, extensive cases should be seen by physician.
HEAT CRAMPS: Painful spasms usually in muscles of legs and abdomen possible. Heavy sweating. First Aid: Firm pressure on cramping muscles, or gentle massage to relieve spasm. Give sips of water. If nausea occurs, discontinue use.
HEAT EXHAUSTION: Heavy sweating, weakness, skin cold, pale and clammy. Pulse weak. Normal temperature possible. Fainting and vomiting. First Aid: Get victim out of sun. Lay down and loosen clothing. Apply cool, wet cloths. Fan or move victim to air conditioned room. Sips of water. If nausea occurs, discontinue use. If vomiting continues, seek immediate medical attention.
HEAT STROKE (or sunstroke): High body temperature (106° F. or higher). Hot dry skin. Rapid and strong pulse. Possible unconsciousness. First Aid: HEAT STROKE IS A SEVERE MEDICAL EMERGENCY. SUMMON EMERGENCY MEDICAL ASSISTANCE OR GET THE VICTIM TO A HOSPITAL IMMEDIATELY. DELAY CAN BE FATAL. Move the victim to a cooler environment Reduce body temperature with cold bath or sponging. Use extreme caution. Remove clothing, use fans and air conditioners. If temperature rises again, repeat process. Do not give fluids. Persons on salt restrictive diets should consult a physician before increasing their salt intake.
*For more information contact your local American Red Cross Chapter. Ask to enroll in a first aid course.
June 16, 2009
Summer has apparently started a little early in the Sooner State this year. Although a few of these things may be common sense, let's not forget that doing otherwise may land you in the ER...
- Stay in the A/C as much as possible.
- If you have to work or be outside even for just a little bit, take many breaks and take in lots of water.
- Slap on that sunscreen and re-apply.
- Try to exercise early in the morning or late at night when it's the coolest.
Have a ton of fun this summer and good luck beating the heat!
- Jeff
June 3, 2009
Hello everyone, lets talk hurricanes and tornadoes!
Hurricane season is here as it officially started June 1st and runs through November 30th. NOAA has come out with their formal forecast and they are predicting an "average" year in the tropics. The forecast calls for 9 to 14 named tropical systems, 4 to 7 could become hurricanes and 1 to 3 to major hurricane status. A tropical system gets a name when it's highest sustained winds reach 39 mph or greater. The storm is upgraded to a hurricane when the highest sustained winds reach 74 mph or greater. Keep in mind that these forecast are very hard to make and are not that accurate. No matter what the forecast folks that live in hurricane prone areas always need to prepare for the worst. It only takes one major hurricane to make landfall to cause destruction! In other words , we could have 15 named storms but if they stay in the ocean and never hit land then no big deal. On the flip side, if only one storm becomes a hurricane but it hits land in the wrong spot then Houston we have a problem. Well not just Houston but do you get my point here? 1992 was a very inactive hurricane season in the Atlantic with only one hurricane. However, that storm was hurricane Andrew that reached category 5 status as it moved into south florida and we all know what happened with that.
Back here in Oklahoma we worry more about tornadoes than hurricanes although occasionally weakening tropical system do find a path into Oklahoma with flooding rains the main threat. So far this severe storm season has produced only a few significant weather events. The number of tornadoes has been well below the average so far but we will give these numbers out when it's all said and done. And guess what? It's not over yet. Typically our severe storm season runs from mid March through mid June. Although severe weather can happen any time of year and at any time of day the conditions set up more frequently during our severe storm season.
Looking at the latest weather maps the severe weather threat in the southern plains will be increasing coming up this next week. In particular June 8 through June 10 looks stormy with several chances for severe weather. The details are very sketchy this far out but this time of year it doesn't take much to produce the big storms. There is so much heat and instability in the atmosphere in place so all ya need is a small upper air disturbance and a weak front nearby and boom it's fun and games in the southern plains! I'll be watching the weather for you!
Take care, Jon...
May 20, 2009
For the middle of May, Mother Nature is giving us a week you just can't beat. Not too hot, humid, or windy...just straight up sunny and warm.
BUT when we really needed the skies to be dry for the holiday weekend, expect a few showers to possibly put a temporary damper on your outdoor fun. Don't cancel those outside plans...most of this weekend including Memorial Day will have lots of dry time.
And as you're having your picnics, bbqs, and camping trips, please don't forget the meaning behind this weekend. This is a great site with some meaningful links: http://www.usmemorialday.org/backgrnd.html
For those who gave the ultimate sacrifice in the service of our country and for all of our heroes currently fighting for our freedom, I salute you...
Jeff
April 24, 2009
A heat burst in Oklahoma last night. When thunderstorms fall apart they sometimes produce strong straight line winds and these winds push air downward from the top of thunderstorms to the surface of the Earth. When air sinks it warms up and expands and this can cause the temperature to rise. This is more dramatic at night! Like last Thursday night April 23 in southwestern and central Oklahoma when thunderstorms fell apart rapidly. There were many reports of strong winds and associated temperature rises. In places like Yukon 50 mph winds were combined with a temperature rise to nearly 90 degrees at night!
Just one more weather phenomenon we have here in Oklahoma!
Jon
April 22, 2009
NOAA Commemorates the 10th Anniversary of the May 3, 1999 Tornado Outbreak
Weather experts and those affected by the May 3, 1999 tornado outbreak including emergency managers, first responders and city officials will speak at the "May 3 Tornado Outbreak 10th Anniversary Event," sponsored by NOAA.
April 5, 2009
With freezing temperatures back in the forecast I thought this would be a good time to review some freezing facts for Oklahoma City.
It turns out that if you look at all the records from over 100 years of weather history here in Oklahoma City the AVERAGE latest freeze date is March 30th. This does not mean that every year we have our last freeze on March 30th. In fact, nothing could be more distant from the truth. It means that in many years the last freeze date occurs before March 30th and in many years the last freeze date occurs after March 30th.
So our freezing weather coming up early this week is nothing to get that excited about. It's only 1 week after the official latest average freeze date.
Here is a little more information worth talking about...The latest last freeze date since records have been kept in Oklahoma City is May 3, 1954. The earliest last freeze date in Oklahoma City was back on February 21, 1905.
This is why it is not totally safe to get down in the garden until May.
But ya can't tell that to most folks. My wife started to plant the flowers weeks ago. Go figure...
Jon
April 2, 2009
It's never really breaking news that it's windy in Oklahoma. But the winds were even out of control for us here in the Sooner State on Thursday, April 2nd.
Here are some of the strongest wind gusts that were reported. Many speeds reached severe thunderstorm strength in the vicinity of these cities...
64 mph Medicine park
63 mph Minco
59 mph Frederick
59 mph Cheyenne
58 mph Clinton
58 mph Gould
58 mph Will
58 mph Camargo
56 mph Hobart
56 mph Bessie
55 mph Fort Sill
55 mph Hinton
55 mph Watonga
54 mph Weatherford
54 mph Altus
53 mph Oklahoma City
53 mph Hobart
53 mph Mangum
52 mph El Reno
52 mph Chickasha
51 mph Lawton
And be ready to hold on to your hats again this Saturday! The winds will be blowing nearly as hard!
-Jeff
March 23, 2009
Just When You Thought It Was Safe...A Winter Storm In The Early Spring!
Lightning, snow, and a little sunshine are in the forecast this week. Lets start with a look at this morning. After a chilly start in the upper thirties, we will make it into the mid 60s by mid afternoon. Wind will not be as strong as it was yesterday, making for a beautiful day early on... But, some late afternoon showers will be possible putting a damper on the beautiful day.
Thursday will have pretty much the same in store for central Oklahoma. We will start off a little warmer in mid 40s and make it up to the upper 60's. Thursday night a cold front will bring an other chance for precipitation, but this time thunderstorms will be possible. Some of the storms could even be strong to severe.
Friday looks to be a really nasty day. Temps will be in the mid 40s with a north wind around 20. What makes the day "really nasty" is not just the blustery weather with wind chills in the 20s, it is the cold rain that will be around the entire day.
Here comes the impossible, I mean its almost April!!! Late Friday night into early Saturday morning that rain will change over to snow. The snow will last through early afternoon Saturday. By late afternoon we will make it back into the mid to upper 40s.
Check out the latest thinking on this winter storm from the National Weather Service at http://www.srh.noaa.gov/oun/enhanced.php
After a cold start Sunday, we will see some sunshine and jump up to the mid 60s. Monday looks to be another beautiful day with a high around 70. Tuesday cools off a bit with a north wind around 20 and a high around 65.
Get the snow shoes (and snow balls?) ready,
- Jeff
November 20, 2008
Vortex 2 is coming!
"The Verification of the Origins of Rotation in Tornados EXperiment part 2."
It's being called the largest and most ambitious attempt to explore tornadoes, their origins, their structure and evolution and how to increase the accuracy and timeliness of tornado forecasts and warnings.
Vortex 2 is a research project funded by the National Science Foundation and NOAA where researchers from OU, the National Severe Storms Lab (NSSL), National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR- Boulder, CO), University of Massachusetts, Penn State University, and others collaborate.
It's like "Twister" to the extreme!
During May of 2009, storm chase teams will travel all over the plains: from west Texas and the panhandles, eastern Colorado, Nebraska, southeast South Dakota, western Iowa, Kansas, and of course western and central Oklahoma.. all the places where there it's flat, with good visibility and few trees.
Despite 21st century weather technology, we have a limited understanding of why some thunderstorms produce tornadoes and others do not. During the last VORTEX project back in 1995, researchers discovered rotation must be present in the lowest levels of the storm for tornado development.
At least 10 mobile Doppler radars, some with rapid scan capability, will roam the plains in search of violent storms. Having a mobile Doppler radar next to a storm, versus one far away in a major city, is like placing the storm under a magnifying glass. Much more detail can be seen that might give us clues as to what key things need to happen to give a storm the extra spin it needs to produce a tornado or other violent weather.
Mobile weather stations mounted on vehicles, temporary weather stations with weights, small enclosed video cameras, and other technologies that can be easily set up in a hurry then removed will be placed in front of the paths of incoming storms.
The information from multiple sources.. radar, cameras, sensors, and even airplanes, will be combined using powerful computers which can produce realistic models of the weather, sort of like building something with Legos (TM) or putting a puzzle together. The goal is to lead to better weather prediction with more time to take shelter and fewer false alarms.
You can learn more about VORTEX-2 at www.vortex2.org.
October 30, 2008
Daylight Savings Almost Over, Everyone Gets an Extra Hour of Sleep!
The official end to daylight savings occurs at 2am this Sunday morning, meaning we'll get an extra hour when the clocks are set back to 1am.
So what exactly is the reason we do this every year? Well, back in the early 1900's, an English outdoor enthusiast, William Willett, decided that he was displeased with people for sleeping through the early sunlight hours in the summer. After many years of lobbying the British government, Daylight Savings Time (DST) was officially adopted during WWI as a way to conserve energy. As the theory went, if people were able to be productive during daylight hours instead of sleeping through them, the amount of electricity needed would be less. The rest of Europe and the United States quickly followed suit.
Nowadays, DST is somewhat controversial. 100 years later, it isn't clear that pushing the clocks forward in spring saves energy. For now we continue to use it however, so enjoy your extra hour this weekend!
-Dave/Jeff
July 31, 2008
Those Doggone Dog Days Of Summer!
You may have heard these summer safety tips a thousand times this summer and throughout your life. But it sure doesn't hurt to keep pounding them into your head if it means saving you a trip to the ER!
- Stay in the air conditioning as much as possible. Many "cool zones" have been established across Oklahoma for those without A/C. Check this out courtesy of OG&E: http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=106374&p=IROL-SingleRelease&t=Regular&id=1167923&
- If you're going to be outside for any extended period of time, take in a lot of water/fluids and take a lot of breaks. Those with heart or respiratory problems are at a much higher risk for a heat-related injury.
- Avoid alcohol and caffeine while in the heat.
- Try to exercise in the early morning or the late evening when temps are the "coolest".
- Wear light-colored and loose-fitting clothing.
- Slap on that sunscreen and re-apply as necessary.
- Children and the elderly are most sensitive to that high summer heat and please don't forget about our four-legged friends!
-Jeff
July 2, 2008
Why has it been so windy?
We have seen an unusually windy spring and summer. Low pressure continues to redevelop to our northwest in southeast Colorado and also south of Denver. A ridge of hills runs east and west between Denver and Colorado Springs. This forms an "L" shape between the Rocky Mountains (which run north to south) and the ridge (running east to west). The ridge is known as the Palmer Divide. This natural boundary creates low pressure centers, which then often spin eastward. As these lows develop, the pressure dropping causes the winds to pick up over the plains, including here in Oklahoma.
For more information on this phenomenon, click here, or Google search "Denver Convergence Vorticity Zone" or "Denver Cyclone."
May 21, 2008
THE CAP
There are many spring and summer days in Oklahoma where our atmosphere is ripe and many ingredients are in place for a severe weather event. We have all seen those innocent little, white puffy clouds blossom into huge, dangerous thunderstorms in a matter of minutes.
However, the southern plains are also frequently prime for a phenomenon in the lower atmosphere called a capping inversion. This feature is commonly referred to as a “cap†or a “lid†by us broadcasters.
On a typical day, the sun heats the ground, which naturally warms the air just above it. This warm air keeps on rising into the cooler air above (warm air is less dense than cool/cold air). If there is enough moisture in place, the air will continue to rise, cool and condense, and begin the cloud formation process.
If a capping inversion exists a few thousand feet above the ground, this normal temperature profile of cool temperatures over warm temperatures is reversed. A stable environment is created as cooler, dense air is sitting below lighter, warm air.
At this point, we are considered “cappedâ€Â. And if this cap is strong enough, our small clouds will stop growing as they smack into this “lid†placed on the lower atmosphere.
Here is one final point to remember…the cap is NOT unbreakable. If the air at the surface is highly unstable (i.e. relatively hot and humid), strong updrafts can “bust the cap†wide open especially during afternoon peak heating. Otherwise, the severe weather event may be a “bustâ€Â. A mid-upper air disturbance riding along the jet stream may also help to break the cap by itself or in combination with strong surface heating.
Significant severe weather is possible in these situations “if†a cap can be overcome. Even on days when this is a big “IFâ€Â, it is best for us forecasters to err on the side of safety, broadcast the severe weather potential, and sit back and see what Mother Nature has planned for us.
- Jeff
March 27th, 2008
GOODBYE!!!!
Well it is with mixed emotions that I say goodbye to Oklahoma. I accepted a great position here two years ago as the Chief Meteorologist of a great department. Now two years later I am going to the wonderful city of Miami! I have accepted my dream job in Miami and I am excited and eager to start. You all have been great to me here in Oklahoma and I have many memories to last a lifetime! Thank you for being so nice and for welcoming me into your home each night. I wish you all the best!
Scott
February 8, 2008
Wild weather ride for early February!
Even though we knew that those 70s and 80s on Monday would not last very long, it sure was nice while we had them!
Temps dropped drastically on Tuesday morning behind a cold front and we've had below normal highs and lows ever since.
Many people consider groundhogs lowly creatures, but everyone had their eyes and ears pointed towards Punxsutawney, PA at Gobbler's Knob last Saturday. Our furry friend predicted 6 more weeks of winter, and with the exception of Monday, it seems to be working out so far this week. However, keep in mind that Phil's accuracy currently runs at a historically unimpressive rate...39%.
Conditions have "normalized" over the past few days which will continue into the beginning of the weekend. The forecast gets rather fuzzy (or furry) Sunday and beyond thanks to a jet stream that's having a hard time making up its mind.
Hang on tight for this wild weather ride to stay its course well into next week!
-Jeff
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