Oklahoma Severe Weather and Tornado Threat Returning

Oklahoma Severe Weather and Tornado Threat Returning

The Oklahoma severe weather pattern is ramping back up as forecasters warn of increasing heat, high winds, storm chances, and a renewed tornado threat heading into the weekend.

Meteorologists say Oklahoma will see very warm to hot temperatures over the next several days with highs climbing into the upper 80s and 90s statewide.

According to News 9 Chief Meteorologist Lacey Swope, strong south winds and increasing Gulf moisture will push heat index values even higher while helping fuel severe storm development later this week.

The growing Oklahoma severe weather setup includes threats for damaging winds, large hail, wildfire danger, and possible tornadoes through the weekend.

Oklahoma Severe Weather Threat Builds Through Weekend

Forecasters say Wednesday morning conditions started quiet across much of Oklahoma before winds and temperatures rapidly increased during the afternoon.

Storms were expected to develop in the Texas Panhandle before potentially moving into southwest Oklahoma and western Panhandle areas later Wednesday evening.

According to the National Weather Service Norman, any storms that survive into Oklahoma could produce large hail and damaging wind gusts.

The broader Oklahoma severe weather threat is expected to intensify even more Saturday through Monday.

Meteorologists say increasing instability, Gulf moisture, and upper-level energy will create conditions favorable for severe thunderstorm development.

Tornado Threat Returns to Oklahoma

Forecasters are also closely monitoring a renewed tornado threat this weekend.

Current projections show more isolated storm development Saturday before stronger storm chances arrive Sunday into Monday ahead of the next cold front.

According to News 9 Weather, the tornado threat could increase as moisture and atmospheric instability continue building across the state.

South winds are also expected to become very strong with gusts reaching 35 to 40 mph in some locations.

The combination of heat, dry conditions west of the dryline, and strong winds may also increase wildfire danger in western Oklahoma.

Near-Record Heat Expected Across Oklahoma

The latest Oklahoma severe weather forecast also includes near-record temperatures for parts of the state before the next cold front arrives next week.

High temperatures are expected to surge into the 90s west of Interstate 35 by Thursday and continue through the weekend.

Meteorologists say increasing humidity levels will make conditions feel even hotter during afternoon hours.

Additional statewide forecast updates and severe weather information are available through the National Weather Service and local Oklahoma weather providers.

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