Drier Conditions and Gusty Winds Will Increase Fire Threat Mid-Week

Areas of fog will reduce visibilities to below one-half mile at some locations across northeast Oklahoma and northwest Arkansas this Morning. Visibilities are expected to improve as rain increases across the area this morning. Areas of rain are expected to persist through the day across eastern Oklahoma and western Arkansas in advance of a storm system that is expected to move through the area Tonight. There may also be a few thunderstorms this evening as the cold front moves into the area. The thunderstorms are expected to remain below severe levels. The rain and thunderstorms are expected to come to end later Tonight as the storm system exits the area to the east. Rainfall amounts are expected range from around one-quarter of an inch to around an inch across the area through Tonight. Locally higher amounts will be possible across southeast Oklahoma and western Arkansas. This could lead to some localized flooding of low lying areas. Gusty northwest winds are expected behind the cold front later Tonight. Rapid fire spread potential will become more of a concern toward the middle of the week, as winds increase and temperatures warm into the 60s and possibly 70s ahead of a late week cold front. Behind the front, gusty northerly winds could continue fire weather danger through the end of the work week.