textproduct: Norman

KEY MESSAGES

Updated at 1134 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

(18Z TAFS) Issued at 1134 AM CDT Sat Apr 18 2026

Gusty north winds diminish by sunset and become light and variable in some areas as high pressure tracks across the region. VFR conditions will prevail. Expect winds to return to the west- southwest by mid-morning on Sunday.

PRELIMINARY POINT TEMPS/POPS

Oklahoma City OK 41 72 45 73 / 0 0 0 0 Hobart OK 38 74 43 76 / 0 0 0 0 Wichita Falls TX 40 74 45 75 / 0 0 0 0 Gage OK 35 76 44 78 / 0 0 0 0 Ponca City OK 38 73 45 75 / 0 0 0 0 Durant OK 42 72 46 74 / 0 0 0 0

OUN WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES

OK...None. TX...None.