Colder Air Soon

Tuesday, January 6th 2015, 4:36 am

By: Alan Crone

We're tracking several fronts that will bring more arctic air across the state. Wind chill values may be extremely low Wednesday morning with readings from zero to -10 in some locations across northern OK and southern Kansas. Two weak waves will be near the state this weekend with only low chances for precipitation in the forecast.

The first of several fronts is now crossing the northern third of the state this morning bringing north winds. Despite this frontal passage, the daytime highs will be very similar to yesterday with afternoon readings in the mid to upper 30s north and some lower 40s south. North winds will be present across the area in the 10 to 15 mph range.

Later tonight a stronger surge of arctic air will arrive with strong north winds and increasing clouds. The winds may increase speeds from 15 to 35 mph late Tuesday night into the first half of Wednesday as temps drop into upper teens. Wind chill values are projected to be in the zero to -10 degree range for the first half of Wednesday morning with afternoon highs only in the upper teens or lower 20s. A few areas of snow flurries may be possible for a few hours Wednesday morning with no accumulation. Wind chill advisories may be issued by the National Weather Service for the overnight and Wednesday morning hours.

The wind direction will veer from the south to southwest Thursday morning into the afternoon and this may be just enough to get us above freezing for the afternoon highs, but it will be close. Yet another front arrives Thursday night into Friday morning with northeast winds and another minor surge of colder air. This would take the highs back down near freezing Friday, with Saturday and Sunday highs expected in the mid to upper 30s.

Morning lows Thursday would start in the single digits followed by lower 20s Friday into the weekend for low readings.

The models continue to offer two distinct waves for the weekend, but the overall impact appears minor. The first wave will approach in the southern stream and will move across the Lone Star State Saturday. Higher chances for rain will be located across Northeast Texas and far southeastern OK, where some winter mix may occur Saturday. This chance will be very low. Our chances for the Tulsa metro may be less than 20%.

The second wave approaches Sunday into Monday as it drops out of the northern stream and brushes the central plains. Low level moisture will be lacking, but we may still have an outside shoot at a light winter mix or flurries late Sunday night into Monday morning. Again, this probability appears very low, and will be represented by a 20%.

Thanks for reading the Tuesday morning weather discussion and blog.

Have a super great day!