textproduct: Norman

KEY MESSAGES

Updated at 639 PM CDT Sat Mar 21 2026

- Record heat likely through Sunday, with widespread 90+ degree temperatures likely.

- Fire risk continues today & Sunday with the highest risk on Sunday near and behind a cold front. - After "not as hot" temperatures on Monday, hotter temperatures return on Tuesday with essentially no chance for precipitation over the next week.

NEAR TERM

(Rest of today and tonight) Issued at 1214 PM CDT Sat Mar 21 2026

Very hot conditions are developing across the area as an anomalously strong upper level high remains entrenched near and west of the area. Widespread highs in the 90s to near 100 F will occur again this afternoon, with daily record highs likely in spots. Modest southerly flow with a few gusts to 20 mph and minimum RH of 10-20 percent will result in elevated fire weather conditions through this evening. Mild southerly flow tonight will keep temperatures up, with lows ranging between the upper 50s to mid 60s.

SHORT TERM

(Sunday through Monday night) Issued at 1214 PM CDT Sat Mar 21 2026

A strong cold front will move through northwest Oklahoma on Sunday morning. The front will progress through the area, exiting south-central Oklahoma by mid to late afternoon. Ahead of the front, hot weather will continue, with another round of 90s to low 100s, particularly for areas further south and east where the front will arrive later. Once the front passes, strong northerly winds will develop. For a few hours, gusts of 30-45 mph will occur behind the front. Considering the ongoing dry weather and initially still very warm conditions, fire weather concerns will increase significantly. The Fire Weather Watch was upgraded to a Red Flag Warning, which covers the entire forecast area except for a pocket of south-central OK. By the evening hours, winds will begin to diminish, temperatures will drop, and RH will rise. This should help the fire weather potential to diminish into the overnight hours.

Monday will be cooler and a bit cloudier in the wake of the cold front. However, cooler is relative, as highs will only drop to near normal. No rain is expected.

LONG TERM

(Tuesday through next Friday) Issued at 1214 PM CDT Sat Mar 21 2026

Southerly flow resumes on Tuesday, with very warm to hot conditions developing into mid week. At this time it appears that widespread 90s will return for a couple of days. Southerly flow will also return, with elevated fire weather conditions developing once again. Another likely dry cold front is anticipated late next week. Rain chances remain low for the next week, with only a slight chance of a shower for central Oklahoma towards day 7.

AVIATION

(00Z TAFS) Issued at 642 PM CDT Sat Mar 21 2026

VFR conditions will continue through the TAF period.

South to southeast winds will continue tonight. A strengthening low-level jet will result in low-level wind shear (LLWS) beginning around 06 UTC. A cold front/northerly wind shift will enter northwest Oklahoma after 12 UTC and move southeast through the day. Winds will veer to the southwest ahead of the cold front before shifting the north as the front moves through. Winds gusts between 25 to 35 knots are expected behind the front.

Mahale

PRELIMINARY POINT TEMPS/POPS

Oklahoma City OK 66 90 50 69 / 0 0 0 0 Hobart OK 61 90 48 71 / 0 0 0 0 Wichita Falls TX 64 99 54 76 / 0 0 0 0 Gage OK 58 78 41 67 / 0 0 0 0 Ponca City OK 61 82 45 66 / 0 0 0 0 Durant OK 64 92 58 77 / 0 0 0 0

OUN WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES

OK...Red Flag Warning until 9 PM CDT this evening for OKZ004>006- 009>011-014>016-021-022-033>036.

Red Flag Warning from 9 AM to 9 PM CDT Sunday for OKZ004>042- 044>046-050.

TX...Red Flag Warning until 9 PM CDT this evening for TXZ083-084-087.

Red Flag Warning from 9 AM to 9 PM CDT Sunday for TXZ083>090.