textproduct: Norman

KEY MESSAGES

Updated at 1134 PM CST Thu Dec 18 2025

- Elevated to near critical fire danger risk across parts of our area Friday afternoon.

- Elevated fire danger risk Saturday afternoon in southwest OK and western north TX.

- Dry with above to well above average temperatures expected through next week.

NEAR TERM

(Rest of tonight through Friday) Issued at 1134 PM CST Thu Dec 18 2025

Light winds and mostly clear skies have led to good radiational cooling conditions tonight with temperatures. Temperatures are expected to fall into the 20s to low 30s across much of the area overnight. The light sfc winds are expected to continue overnight but gradually shifting towards the south as the sfc high shifts to the SE across the region. Wind speeds are expected to begin to pick up in NW parts of the fa towards sunrise.

The southerly winds are expected to pick up in speed Friday morning as the pressure gradient increases with breezy/gusty winds expected across much of the area throughout most of the day. Wind speeds of 15 to 25 mph with gusts of 30 to 40 mph are expected, especially in parts of western OK. Temperatures are expected to warm into the upper 50s and 60s across most of the fa Friday afternoon.

Fire Weather: Elevated to possibly near critical fire weather conditions will be possible Friday afternoon across parts of the fa. The breezy/gusty winds will combine with above average temperatures, minimum RH of 15 to 20 percent and dry vegetation to increase the fire weather potential. The current wind speeds and min RH are forecast to be slightly better than what occurred on Thursday with dewpoints slightly improving (teens and 20s instead of single digits and teens) across the fa and winds being not quite as strong. However, conditions will still be favorable for fire starts, etc. Will issue a fire danger statement (RFD) for parts of western, central, and northern OK and western north TX.

SHORT TERM

(Friday night through Saturday night) Issued at 1134 PM CST Thu Dec 18 2025

Breezy south to southwest winds are expected to continue Friday night with wind speeds decreasing in parts of northern OK early Saturday as a sfc low moves into the area. A warmer night compared to tonight/early Friday is expected Friday night with lows in the 40s across most of the area.

Models show a cold front moving across the area during the day Saturday causing winds to shift towards the north and northeast. Highs will range from the low/mid 60s in northern OK to the 70s to around 80 in southern OK and western north TX.

Fire Weather Saturday: Elevated fire weather conditions will be possible in southwest OK and western north TX Saturday afternoon where warm temperatures and low RH (15-20%) will combine with dry vegetation and breezy/shifting winds.

The airmass behind the front is not expected to be overly cold but will knock temperatures back down into the 50s and low 60s across the fa. These temperatures will be closer to but still 5 to 10 degrees F above average. Dewpoints will be on the increase Sunday which will keep fire weather conditions low and lead to warmer overnight lows Sunday night.

LONG TERM

(Sunday through next Thursday) Issued at 1134 PM CST Thu Dec 18 2025

Models show the zonal upper pattern that will be over the region this weekend shifting next week as an upper ridge builds into the southern Plains. With this ridge, dry and well above average temperatures are expected next week. Temperatures are expected to be climbing into the 70s and 80s across the fa by the middle of next week. A moist airmass is also expected next week which will lead to humid conditions and overnight lows in the 50s possibly low 60s in at least parts of the fa next week as well. These temperatures (both highs and lows) will be 20 to 25 degrees above average for late December.

AVIATION

(06Z TAFS) Issued at 1021 PM CST Thu Dec 18 2025

VFR conditions to continue.

Light winds expected overnight. As we approach sunrise light south winds at the surface and strengthening boundary layer winds will result in a short period of llws across western/northwestern Oklahoma and have added this at both WWR/CSM. South winds will increase through the morning and by afternoon most sites will see 15 to 25 mph sustained with gusts of 25 to near 40 mph. These will diminish some around sunset with strengthening llj creating llws again across most sites tomorrow evening. Some high clouds expected from time to time.

PRELIMINARY POINT TEMPS/POPS

Oklahoma City OK 58 30 59 46 / 0 0 0 0 Hobart OK 61 26 63 42 / 0 0 0 0 Wichita Falls TX 63 30 66 48 / 0 0 0 0 Gage OK 56 23 64 42 / 0 0 0 0 Ponca City OK 58 25 58 41 / 0 0 0 0 Durant OK 65 32 60 46 / 0 0 0 0

OUN WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES

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