textproduct: Norman

KEY MESSAGES

Updated at 140 AM CDT Sat Apr 18 2026

- Strong storms will continue through the early morning hours.

- Elevated to near critical fire weather conditions are possible across parts of northwest and western Oklahoma into next week.

- Dry and cooler weather this weekend with a freeze possible Sunday morning (western and northern Oklahoma).

NEAR TERM

(Through Saturday) Issued at 140 AM CDT Sat Apr 18 2026

Thunderstorms along a cold front will continue to shift southward this morning. Strong winds are expected along the outflow boundary as this activity shifts to the south. Behind the cold front, northerly winds of 20-30 mph with gusts up to 50 mph are expected at least through sunrise. Much cooler temperatures are expected this morning, with lows generally in the 40s across most of the area and upper 30s in the northwestern portions of Oklahoma. Skies will clear from north to south behind the front and much cooler temperatures are expected today. Highs will generally be in the 60s across much of the area this afternoon.

There is some elevated fire weather conditions expected this afternoon across the western 2 rows of counties. Given the recent rainfall and winds generally weakening throughout the day, no fire weather headlines will be issued at this time.

SHORT TERM

(Saturday night through Monday night) Issued at 140 AM CDT Sat Apr 18 2026

Northerly winds will begin to shift towards the south late Saturday night across the area. Clear skies and weak winds will foster another cold morning across the entire area. Overnight lows will generally be in the upper 30s to low 40s. There may be isolated frost and near freeze conditions across northern portions of the area, but confidence is not high enough to issue any freeze-related products at this time.

Highs on Sunday will be in the 70s with the return of southwesterly winds. Dry conditions are expected to continue through the weekend. Dry air will make its return to the western third of the area, and with winds being breezy, there will be elevated to near critical fire weather concerns Sunday afternoon across these areas.

Perturbations within the mid-level flow will help get at least low end thunderstorm chances to return across western north Texas and far south central Oklahoma.

LONG TERM

(Tuesday through Friday) Issued at 140 AM CDT Sat Apr 18 2026

Medium-range guidance continues to be in agreement with a mid- level ridge dominating the Plains through the middle of the week. Highs will gradually increase through the week and get back into the 80s/90s by Thursday afternoon. At least elevated fire weather conditions will persist through the rest of the week across the western third of the area.

Still good agreement with a next potential system moving in Thursday which will bring thunderstorms back into the area. Another cold front will sweep through the area late Thursday into Friday, providing another cool down into the weekend.

AVIATION

(06Z TAFS) Issued at 1155 PM CDT Fri Apr 17 2026

The ongoing passage of a strong cold front and associated scattered convection will offer brief periods of MVFR cig/vis conditions early on Saturday morning. All terminals should return to VFR conditions once rain/storms exit.

Otherwise, gusty northerly winds will continue towards 12-15 UTC Saturday morning in the post-front.

Safe travels!

Ungar

PRELIMINARY POINT TEMPS/POPS

Oklahoma City OK 64 40 72 45 / 0 0 0 0 Hobart OK 68 38 74 44 / 0 0 0 0 Wichita Falls TX 68 40 73 45 / 0 0 0 0 Gage OK 67 35 76 45 / 0 0 0 0 Ponca City OK 64 38 73 45 / 0 0 0 0 Durant OK 66 41 72 46 / 20 0 0 0

OUN WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES

OK...Wind Advisory until 8 AM CDT this morning for OKZ004>007-009>012- 014>019-021>025-027>029-033>038-044.

TX...Wind Advisory until 8 AM CDT this morning for TXZ083>086.