QUICK EVENING WEATHER UPDATE, KATY BAR THE DOOR

More widespread, beneficial rainfall occurring this evening across much of central and western Oklahoma!  Here's a look at the regional radar loop. Right now waves of rain moving across central Oklahoma with another wave of thunderstorms coming into western Oklahoma.  I am not expecting severe weather overnight but rain / thunder likely overnight and then shifting east of I 35 during tomorrow morning.  

Take a look at rainfall totals so far today from the Oklahoma mesonet.  Pretty impressive stuff considering where we've been.

The HRRR is one of our short range hi-resolution forecast models and look at how well it is portraying this evenings rain event.  It shows one area over central Oklahoma and also is nailing the thunderstorms coming into western Oklahoma.  I must admit I'm impressed at how well it's handling the weather right now.  Better than me!  LOL, that's hard to do.   It is also forecasting the heaviest rain to eventually shove east of I 35 tomorrow morning.  Take a look at the HRRR run.

All this rain is having an impact on the drought.  Here's the latest drought monitor from the National Weather Service.  Midwest City you're NOT in the drought!

Just got a quick glance at the new 00z data coming in right now (tonight).  Here's the rainfall total forecast through Friday morning.  Yes, more good soaking rainfall for many sections of Oklahoma! 

The rain is good news but the fact is it's crystal clear we won't get through this storm system without the threat for significant severe weather.  Here's the new data showing the main storm system developing out west and heading for Oklahoma this weekend!  Expect several rounds of thunderstorms Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday with heavy rainfall and severe weather likely.  In fact, depending on exactly how the atmosphere sets up, severe weather chances may be ramping up with possibly high end severe weather.  Take a look at this upper low heading this way.  With this pattern we get severe weather regardless what time of year it is.  Since it's May I'm some what concerned.

Katy bar the door folks, Tornado Alley is going to light up!  I'll have more information down the road. Stay safe and by all means pay attention to the weather everyday this week especially if you live in western and central Oklahoma.  Don't be scared, stay weather aware...