State Climatologist Gary McManus is urging Oklahomans to remain highly weather aware this weekend as a significant shift in the atmospheric pattern is expected to bring much-needed rain, but also the potential for severe storms.
“The good news is we’re finally gonna get some rain,” McManus stated in his latest weather briefing. “The bad news is it’s gonna come with some significant severe weather, it appears.”
While the severe weather threat is highlighted for the weekend, McManus indicated that the activity could begin as early as tonight. Employing his characteristic colorful language, he described the progression of potential hazards: “Now tonight it’ll just be sparklers and snakes… then black cats and pop-bottle rockets… Friday and Saturday, then we bring out the roman candles and cherry bombs for Sunday and Monday, and maybe again on Tuesday.”
McManus pointed out the unusual two-week lull in severe weather for Oklahoma during May. “It’s actually been 2 weeks…TWO WEEKS!!!…since we’ve seen severe weather in Oklahoma. In May. Two weeks. All the way back to May 1. Now, when’s the last time that happened? No, I’m asking you because I can’t recall too many 2-week periods with NO severe weather during May in Oklahoma.”
Acknowledging the remaining uncertainty in the forecast, particularly for the high-end severe weather potential later in the weekend, McManus advised residents to stay informed. “Now obviously, we’re still 3-5 days away from the possible high-end severe wx events later in the weekend, so there’s still plenty of uncertainty as to HOW severe, WHERE are the main threat areas, WHAT threats will be most likely…”
He strongly recommended that Oklahomans begin monitoring their local National Weather Service (NWS) offices for the most precise and up-to-date information:
- Norman: https://www.weather.gov/oun
- Tulsa: https://www.weather.gov/tsa
- Amarillo: https://www.weather.gov/ama
- Shreveport: https://www.weather.gov/shv
“And also keep abreast of things through your favorite media source,” McManus added. “We’ll have varying degrees of tornado chances and all the good (i.e., bad) stuff that goes with them over the next 6 days.”
With numerous outdoor activities common this time of year, McManus stressed the importance of preparedness. “With all the activities going on this time of year, you just gotta stay weather aware and have a plan should something crop up in your area to protect you and yours. It’s May in Oklahoma, you know the drill.” He also reminded residents of the dangers associated with severe weather, noting the storm-related fatalities already this year. “We’ve had more than a half-dozen storm-related deaths in Oklahoma already, and we don’t want that number going up.”
Regarding the anticipated rainfall, McManus noted that while the overall amounts may not appear substantial, the risk of flash flooding remains due to the saturated soils from the record rains earlier in May. “The rain doesn’t look like much, but this is gonna depend on whether you get under one of those big storms or not. Still tons of water around with saturated soils due to the record rains of May, so flash flooding will be a concern.”
Finally, McManus provided an update on the state’s drought situation. “More good news? We have drought on the run in Oklahoma, now confined to far NW OK and the Panhandle. The bad news, and stop me if you’ve heard this before…the best rains aren’t forecast for the areas in drought. But they’re not in the tornadoey area either.”
Oklahomans are urged to stay vigilant, monitor weather updates from reliable sources, and have a safety plan in place as the weekend approaches and the potential for severe weather increases.
