Tulsa Weather: Picture-perfect weekend before summer heat rolls in

After last week’s stormy stretch, this week’s weather has felt like a complete 180—with more sunshine ahead just in time for the weekend.

A Pattern Change Developing Soon

An upper-level system will develop over the Pacific Northwest early this weekend and push into the northern High Plains by Sunday and early Monday.

In response, pressure falls along and east of the Rockies will kick up strong south winds across the central and southern Plains, including Oklahoma.

Sunday Brings Strong Winds and Near-Record Warmth

Winds will range from 20 to nearly 35 mph, bringing Sunday morning's temperatures to near 60. 

Above-average temperatures are expected Sunday afternoon, with the Tulsa metro climbing into the mid to upper 80s.

Areas along the I-35 corridor could see highs near 90, while southwestern Oklahoma may reach the upper 90s. Sunday should see the warmest day of the spring season so far.

🌡️ Weekend Outlook: Sunny, Breezy, and Toasty by Sunday

A shift in temperatures begins Saturday with gusty south winds and highs returning to the upper 70s to near 80°F across eastern Oklahoma. Western Oklahoma, however, is already feeling that early summer heat—with temperatures in the 90s forecasted for the Panhandle.

By Sunday, summer makes a cameo:

1. Tulsa: High near 88°F
2. Stillwater: Approaching 90°F
3. Altus: Could top 100°F

Cold Front Arrives Early Monday 

By Sunday night into early Monday morning, the main upper-level low shifts toward the Great Lakes, dragging a surface cold front quickly across the state.

A warm air layer aloft (the cap) should keep thunderstorms from developing, meaning the front should pass through with no precipitation.

However, north of the boundary, a few elevated showers could pop up over central Kansas.

🏞️ Lake Levels & Outdoor Plans

Lake conditions are mostly favorable:

1. Hudson Lake remains 14+ feet above normal due to recent rainfall and U.S. Army Corps operations.
2. Skiatook Lake is still below average, while others are slightly above normal—good news for weekend boaters and fishers.

Cooler Start to the Week Behind the Front

This front will continue south of the Red River and stall Monday and Tuesday across parts of Texas.

Monday morning temperatures will start in the upper 50s and lower 60s, with daytime highs near 70.

By Tuesday morning, lows will drop to the mid-40s, with highs approaching the lower 70s.

Midweek Pattern Shift Brings Storm Potential

By Wednesday, the front may either fade out or lift northward as a warm front, accompanied by increasing south winds.

A small but strong upper-level system will move from southern Colorado into the central Plains late Wednesday night into early Thursday morning, bringing a chance of thunderstorms across northern Oklahoma and portions of Kansas.

Forecast models suggest instability may be somewhat low, but enough wind shear in the atmosphere could support a few strong to severe storms.

Easter Weekend Could Feature More Storms

A surface cold front will move through Wednesday night and Thursday, bringing a mostly stable atmosphere on Friday and Saturday.

However, the upper-level pattern is likely to bring another storm system near the state by late Easter weekend.

This could mean additional thunderstorms either on Easter Sunday or shortly after into the following week.

The Morning Weather Podcast

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Need-to-know severe Oklahoma weather prep:

🔗Severe weather safety: what you need to know to prepare

🔗Tornado Watch vs. Tornado Warning: what they mean and what to do

🔗Severe weather safety: what to do before, during, and after a storm

🔗Why registering your storm shelter in Oklahoma could save your life

Emergency Info: Outages Across Oklahoma:

Northeast Oklahoma has various power companies and electric cooperatives, many of which have overlapping areas of coverage. Below is a link to various outage maps.

1. PSO Outage Map
2. OG&E Outage Map
3. VVEC Outage Map
4. Indian Electric Cooperative (IEC) Outage Map
5. Oklahoma Association of Electric Cooperatives Outage Map — (Note Several Smaller Co-ops Included)

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