textproduct: Norman

KEY MESSAGES

Updated at 147 AM CDT Fri Sep 4 2026

- Our heatwave will persist through next week.

- Fire weather remains a concern given hot temperatures and ongoing drought/very dry fuels.

NEAR TERM

(Through Friday) Issued at 147 AM CDT Fri Sep 4 2026

Our stubbornly persistent hot and dry pattern rolls on today, as a strong upper ridge amplifies across the central CONUS throughout the day. The remnants of a prior tropical system continue to meander across central Texas early this morning, and a brief (light) rain shower or two cannot be discounted as far north as the Red River through around daybreak this morning.

Similarly to yesterday/Thursday, a west-to-east gradient in high temperatures is likely today, with hottest conditions (mid-100s) expected across western Oklahoma and western-north Texas. Even with slightly "cooler" ambient conditions further east, continued northward moisture flux will contribute to widespread 105-110 deg F heat indices. A Heat Advisory continues from 1 PM to 7 PM, and was extended to include more of western/northwestern Oklahoma, where ambient or heat index temperatures are expected to exceed 105 deg F for much of the mid-afternoon into early evening.

While chances are very low (~10%), we will be monitoring widely scattered thunderstorms across the Texas Rolling Plains this evening that may approach portions of Hardeman/Foard/Knox Counties prior to dissipating shortly after sunset.

Ungar

SHORT TERM

(Friday night through Sunday night) Issued at 147 AM CDT Fri Sep 4 2026

The period will feature generally unspectacular sensible weather, at least for those looking for a break from the monotony of our consistent hot and dry forecast. A high-amplitude ridge looks to remain in place, fostering continued triple-digit temperatures and >105 deg F heat indices. Additional fairly widespread heat headlines are likely during the weekend. While we know this pattern is becoming old, heat safety practices should continue to be implemented, as conditions remain more akin to mid-summer than early fall. Dry time will reign, though we will be monitoring trends on a few weaker systems approaching from the east/northeast by Sunday for perhaps some very low precipitation chances across eastern Oklahoma late in the period.

While the weather component incorporated into broader fire weather concern has tempered some over the past few days, mainly related to the arrival of greater surface moisture (and resultant overnight recovery), hot conditions during the peak burn period and very dry fire fuel provides reason to continue remaining vigilant, despite lessening of traditional fire categories.

Ungar

LONG TERM

(Monday through Thursday) Issued at 147 AM CDT Fri Sep 4 2026

Ensemble signal remains consistent in showing an unseasonably strong upper ridge remaining centered near/across our area into next week, despite at least one stronger upper trough continuing to impinge from the west. This will keep the streak of upper-90s to mid-100s afternoon highs and >105 deg F heat indices rolling on into next week. While nil chance for precipitation is currently advertised in our forecast, can't rule out the low chance for diurnal showers/storms on Monday across eastern Oklahoma.

The big question is when exactly the pattern breaks, even for just a few days. Right now, there is *some/modest* signal in ensemble and deterministic guidance that potential for precipitation and perhaps moderated temperatures arrives by next weekend (12th-14th). Something we will be watching with keen interest over the coming days.

Ungar

AVIATION

(12Z TAFS) Issued at 545 AM CDT Fri Sep 4 2026

VFR category will continue through the upcoming period. An occasionally gusty south-southeast wind will return by this afternoon along with scattered diurnal cumulus across portions of central and southern Oklahoma.

Safe travels!

Ungar

PRELIMINARY POINT TEMPS/POPS

Oklahoma City OK 98 75 99 75 / 0 0 0 0 Hobart OK 103 74 101 75 / 0 0 0 0 Wichita Falls TX 102 74 102 74 / 0 0 0 0 Gage OK 103 73 101 72 / 0 0 0 0 Ponca City OK 99 74 99 74 / 0 0 0 0 Durant OK 98 73 100 74 / 0 0 0 0

OUN WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES

OK...Heat Advisory from 1 PM this afternoon to 7 PM CDT this evening for OKZ004>008-010>013-015>048-050>052.

TX...Heat Advisory from 1 PM this afternoon to 7 PM CDT this evening for TXZ083>090.