Big Cool Down with Lots of Rain Ahead

Unseasonably hot temperatures combined with high humidity will result
in heat index values approaching 100 degrees across much of eastern
Oklahoma and west central Arkansas this afternoon. Widely scattered
thunderstorms may develop in the terrain of far eastern Oklahoma and
western Arkansas late this afternoon into this evening. Severe
weather is not expected with any activity that does develop but wind
gusts to 50 mph and occasional lightning can be expected. Gusty
southerly wind combined with the hot temperatures will raise the
potential for rapid fire spread this afternoon.

Showers and thunderstorms are expected to approach northeastern
Oklahoma late tonight from the west and northwest. None of this
activity is expected to be severe, although frequent lightning, wind
gusts to 50 mph, and brief but locally heavy rainfall can be
expected.


Showers and thunderstorms are expected to become widespread across
much of eastern Oklahoma and northwest Arkansas on Friday as a cold
front moves into the area. This front is expected to focus heavy
rainfall as it slowly moves southward across the region through
Sunday. An axis of three to five inch rainfall amounts is expected to
occur across portions of eastern Oklahoma and west central Arkansas
Friday through Sunday, with locally heavier amounts likely.
Forecasts will continue to refine the expected amounts and the area
most likely to receive the heaviest rainfall, but at this time the
heaviest rainfall appears to occur across southeastern Oklahoma and
west central Arkansas. This amount of rain may produce areas of
flooding and flash flooding.