Another scorcher is unfolding across Oklahoma today, but not everyone will simply bake in the sun. The northern half of the state is under a marginal risk for severe storms later this afternoon and evening, with damaging winds as the primary concern.
KOCO 5 Meteorologist Jonathan Conder says the level 1 marginal risk has expanded to include all of the northern half of Oklahoma. The zone stretches from Elk City and Clinton through OKC, Shawnee, Seminole, and north of McAlester. Showers and storms are expected to be isolated, but they could pack a punch.
Wind gusts of 70 to 80 miles per hour are possible, along with nickel-sized hail. There is also a low tornado risk, but the bigger worry is straight-line winds. Flash flooding cannot be ruled out, especially where storms train over the same areas.
Temperatures remain brutal, with highs near 100 degrees. The heat index will make it feel even hotter, adding to the discomfort. Relief comes overnight as showers move out and skies clear, setting up a hot but quieter weekend.
First Alert Weather Chief Meteorologist Damon Lane leads a team that has been certified by WeatheRate as the most accurate in Oklahoma City for 14 consecutive years. That track record is a reminder that even in the dog days of summer, staying weather-aware matters.
For now, residents in the northern tier should keep an eye to the sky, especially between 4 and 9 p.m. The storms could arrive with little warning, so having a way to receive alerts is wise.