Oklahoma Rain Brings Flood Threat Before Triple-Digit Heat Returns

Oklahoma Rain Brings Flood Threat Today Before Triple-Digit Heat Returns Next Week

Heavy Oklahoma rain is bringing flooding concerns to parts of the state today while providing temporary relief from the summer heat before forecasters say a dangerous stretch of triple-digit temperatures arrives early next week.

The Oklahoma rain is being fueled by tropical moisture moving north from Texas, producing widespread showers and thunderstorms across southern, western and eastern Oklahoma. While many communities are seeing temperatures fall into the 70s and 80s, the cooler weather will be short-lived as a strengthening heat dome is expected to push highs between 102 and 108 degrees by Monday and Tuesday.

Oklahoma Rain Creates Flood Risk Across Southern Counties

The heaviest Oklahoma rain is expected across southern and southeastern Oklahoma, where the National Weather Service in Norman has issued a Flood Watch for areas along the Red River and south of the U.S. 70 corridor, including Ardmore and Durant. Forecasts from the National Weather Service call for widespread rainfall totals of 2 to 4 inches, with isolated locations capable of receiving up to 7 inches, while some storms could produce wind gusts up to 60 mph and quarter-size hail. Current flood watches, rainfall forecasts and severe weather updates are available from the National Weather Service at https://www.weather.gov/oun.

Southwestern Oklahoma has already seen intense rainfall, with Walters recording approximately 2.5 inches of rain in one hour. Western Oklahoma and the Panhandle are expected to receive lighter rainfall, generally between one-half inch and one inch, providing much-needed moisture for crops and rangeland but falling short of ending the region's ongoing summer drought.

Cooler Temperatures Won't Last Long

The widespread cloud cover and rainfall are creating a dramatic temperature split across Oklahoma.

Communities receiving steady rainfall are expected to remain in the 70s and lower 80s, while parts of northwest Oklahoma could fall into the 60s later this evening. Areas that remain dry will continue to experience muggy conditions with temperatures climbing into the lower 90s.

Forecasters say today's rainfall will also leave behind significant ground moisture. As sunshine returns over the weekend, that moisture will evaporate into the atmosphere, increasing humidity and driving heat index values well above the actual air temperature. The National Weather Service uses heat index calculations to measure how hot conditions actually feel when temperature and humidity combine, a key factor during Oklahoma's summer heat.

Heat Dome Expected To Bring Dangerous Temperatures

Rain chances are expected to diminish Friday before ending across most of Oklahoma by Friday night.

Beginning Saturday, a strengthening heat dome is forecast to build across the Southern Plains, sending temperatures into the lower 90s Saturday before climbing into the mid-90s Sunday. By Monday and Tuesday, much of Oklahoma is expected to experience triple-digit temperatures, with many communities forecast between 102 and 108 degrees.

Forecast guidance from the National Weather Service's Weather Prediction Center continues to show Oklahoma transitioning from heavy rainfall today to dangerous heat early next week. National forecast maps and excessive rainfall and heat outlooks are published by the Weather Prediction Center at https://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov.

Combined with lingering humidity from this week's rainfall, the prolonged heat is expected to create dangerous conditions for anyone spending extended time outdoors. Oklahomans are encouraged to stay weather aware through today's storms and begin preparing now for what could become the hottest stretch of the summer next week.

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