ReportWire

Tag: polar vortex

  • Polar vortex stirring up. When should Oklahoma expect its first frost? What the data says

    [ad_1]

    Oklahomans hoping to sip pumpkin spice lattes in a chilly morning breeze may have to wait a few weeks.

    Although the favored fall drink is already here, the cool weather that transitions Oklahoma from summer to winter has yet to show itself.

    And according to the latest weather reports, the Arctic’s polar vortex might not dump its cold air this far south until later in October.

    When will it get cold? Average first frost dates in Oklahoma

    According to nearly 30 years of temperature measurements, the Oklahoma City area usually experiences its first overnight freeze around Oct. 21 each year.

    Data collected by the Oklahoma Mesonet also includes historical first-freeze dates for other cities around the state:

    Long-term forecast shows warm October

    Through the first week of October, temperatures are expected to be above normal for this time of year.

    Oklahoma City’s average high temperature on Oct. 1 is 78.5 degrees, according to the National Weather Service in Norman.

    The average high temperature continues to fall throughout the month, reaching as low as 73 degrees by Oct. 15. That’s also when the average low temperature dips below 50 for the first time.

    What is the polar vortex?

    The polar vortex is a swirling mass of frigid air high in the atmosphere, always present near the Arctic.

    Its strength and position shift with the seasons, according to the National Weather Service. When the vortex is strong, the coldest air tends to stay near the North Pole. When it weakens or wobbles, pockets of that cold air can sometimes spill south, which can contribute to extreme winter storms or prolonged cold snaps in the U.S.

    How much cold actually reaches Oklahoma depends on other atmospheric patterns, like the jet stream and storm systems. Colder air could eventually move into parts of the U.S. as the vortex shifts, but that doesn’t mean immediate blizzards or Arctic outbreaks — it’s simply a sign that the atmosphere is gradually transitioning toward winter.

    Over the longer term, forecasters will watch whether the vortex remains stable or weakens later this fall.

    Contributing: USATODAY Network Reporter Brandi D. Addison

    This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: When will it get cold in Oklahoma? Average first frost dates in state

    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • Winter 2.0: Weather Service Predicts Rain, Snow This Weekend for Certain Parts of North Texas

    Winter 2.0: Weather Service Predicts Rain, Snow This Weekend for Certain Parts of North Texas

    [ad_1]

    Snow sprinkled over North Texas last month thanks to an arctic blast, forcing several school districts to close and folks to pray that we wouldn’t see another power-grid disaster. Luckily for all, this cold season hasn’t been super traumatic (lookin’ at you, Winter Storm Uri).

    Last week, the world’s preeminent groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil, failed to catch a glimpse of his shadow. Legend says this signifies that spring will strike early this year. Indeed, the past few days have felt pretty dang spring-like, with the high in Dallas on Thursday hovering around a balmy 70 degrees.

    But wait. Before you get excited about busting out your Hawaiian short sleeves, just remember that it wouldn’t be Texas weather without a little whiplash.

    The National Weather Service’s Fort Worth office posted an infographic to X on Friday morning letting North Texans know that winter isn’t in the rearview just yet.

    “We continue to watch the storm system on Sunday that may bring a potential for a light rain/snow mix across portions of our northwestern counties late Sunday into Monday,” the weather service wrote in part.

    The infographic goes on to explain that a mix of light rain and snow could strike the region’s far northwesterly parts starting late in the weekend and leading into the workweek. Still, don’t count on that powder sticking around for very long: “No accumulations are expected at this time,” the infographic notes.

    Pete Delkus, WFAA’s famed weather lord, further explained what to expect when it comes to snow. While the flakes will be falling pretty close by, Dallas dwellers won’t be seeing any. Temperatures here will be too high for us to experience a winter wonderland comeback.

    All you recreation fiends out there should also note that Friday will be the toastiest day of the weekend. Delkus predicts that despite seeing some cloud cover, highs will ascend to the 70s.

    “A few spots in eastern North Texas will see an isolated shower, but better rain chances hold off until tomorrow,” he continued in a Friday morning post on X.

    Saturday and Sunday will almost certainly get hit by rain — each day has an 80% chance — so be sure to have your galoshes ready for action. Highs will hover around 61 degrees on Saturday and 56 the following day.

    But fear not, sun lovers. Skies are expected to start clearing up early next week, culminating in a precipitation-free, 68ish-degree Valentine’s Day. Thanks, Cupid.



    [ad_2]

    Simone Carter

    Source link