Windy Weekend

A strong and dynamic storm system will continue to affect the
Southern Plains today, bringing multiple weather hazards to
eastern Oklahoma and western Arkansas. The biggest concern will be
a substantial increase in winds following a dryline passage this
morning and a corresponding uptick in the rapid fire spread
threat. Southwesterly winds at sustained speeds from 25 to 35 mph
and gusts to 45 mph will develop across most of eastern Oklahoma
and far northwest Arkansas during the mid to late morning hours
and continue into mid evening. A Wind Advisory is in effect for
much of the area today. The strong and gusty winds will combine
with above normal high temperatures in the mid and upper 60s and
minimum afternoon relative humidities from 25 to 30 percent to
lead to elevated rapid fire spread conditions from late morning
through the afternoon hours.

In addition to the wind and fire threats, showers and isolated
thunderstorms will continue to develop this morning and move into
eastern Oklahoma and western Arkansas ahead of the approaching
dryline. The shower and thunderstorm potential will diminish from
west to east through the morning hours. Severe weather is not
anticipated.

Patchy fog and drizzle will continue to lead to reduced
visibilities this morning, with improved visibilities behind the
dryline.

A storm system toward the middle to latter part of the upcoming
work week could bring a chance of a wintry mix late Wednesday into
early Thursday. At this time, any potential impacts do not look to
be substantial, but details will be refined in the coming days.