Low clouds hang over central Oklahoma this morning, and a mild breeze already hints at a busier weather pattern ahead. Pavement is dry for now, but changes arrive quickly by mid-afternoon. If you commute along I-35 or I-40, plan for slower travel after 3 p.m.
According to the National Weather Service in Norman, a 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms develops later today, with highs climbing to 82 degrees. South winds increase to 20 mph, with gusts near 30 mph. That warmth fuels instability heading into tonight.
Showers become likely this evening, and a few thunderstorms may produce brief heavy rain before midnight. Rain chances jump to 60 percent. While widespread severe weather is not guaranteed locally, stronger storms are possible across parts of the southern Plains as a frontal boundary sharpens.
Wednesday turns cooler. Highs dip to 57 degrees with a 50 percent chance of showers and storms. North winds settle in, signaling a short-lived cool-down. By Wednesday night, rain chances remain near 50 percent with lows near 51.
Spring warmth rebounds fast. Thursday surges to 75 degrees with another round of showers and possible thunderstorms after noon. Rain chances increase to 70 percent Thursday night into Friday, when highs reach 77 degrees.
This is prime time for flash freezing in colder months, but temperatures stay well above freezing here. Instead, watch for ponding on roads during heavier bursts of rain.
We are five days from the clocks springing ahead at 2 a.m. Sunday. March will add nearly an hour of daylight across Oklahoma, and longer-range trends point to above-normal temperatures into early next week.
Five Day Outlook for Oklahoma City, Oklahoma:
Wednesday: Showers and storms, high 57.
Thursday: Chance of storms, high 75.
Friday: Showers likely, high 77.
Saturday: 30% chance of showers, high 63.
Sunday: Mostly sunny, high 73.
