Mild weather pattern this week; Low chances of rain

What is the forecast for Monday?

Three storm systems will approach the southern Plains over the next seven days. The first will exceed our region to the south at the beginning of this week, the second will approach the region on Friday with a weak frontal passage, and the third will approach the region in the second half of the weekend. Initial observations will keep most of the week relatively mild and dry. It appears that the third system will have the effect of bringing rainfall back across the state during part of the weekend, but there is still some uncertainty about the exact path of the storm system.

Our first system will move across part of Texas over the next 36 to 48 hours with most, if not all, of the precipitation being kept near or south of the Red River Valley. We will not carry any potential showers or storms in our immediate area with the system. Some high clouds will occasionally roll through part of eastern OK.

By the latter half of the week, a cold front will approach northern Oklahoma late Thursday evening into early Friday morning. As this front passes through our area, very sparse low-level moisture or any appreciable precipitation is expected. We will not hold any measurable rainfall potential for this system at this time. Some small rain or some sprinkles will be possible, but overall coverage remains very low. Before the front arrives, gusty southerly winds return Thursday with a slight increase in fire spread rates across eastern Oklahoma.

Heading into the weekend, a stronger storm system is approaching the state. There are still some differences in timing and exact path, but the data consensus supports increasing rain and some thunder chances by the end of this week, and more so for the latter half of the weekend extending into Monday. Another storm system will likely approach the area by the middle of next week.

Temperature trends will remain relatively mild heading into the next few days. Morning lows will be mostly in the 40s with daytime highs in the upper 60s and lower 70s. Gusty southerly winds will return before the second system, including the potential for increased fire spread on Thursday. Morning temperatures will be in the 40s and 50s and will be followed by daytime highs in the mid to upper 60s on the weekend.

How do I prepare my home for freezing?

The City of Tulsa says it’s important to protect your pipes from the cold.

Officials recommend protecting outdoor pipes by disconnecting garden hoses from your home and installing covers on outdoor faucets.

Also, if the sink is along the exterior wall of your home, allow a little water to flow and open the cabinet doors to allow warm air to circulate.

The National Weather Service says that when temperatures drop to 28 degrees Fahrenheit or below for a few hours, you should bring pets inside, protect sensitive plants, protect outdoor pipes, allow indoor faucets to drip and turn off automatic sprinklers.

Space Heater Safety Tips (via CBS News)

1. If you use a heater, make sure it is not too close to things that can burn such as upholstered furniture, clothing, a mattress or bedding.
2. Never connect a space heater to an extension cord, always plug it directly into a wall outlet.
3. Remember to turn it off before leaving the room or going to bed. Keep it out of reach of children and pets. Look for signs of malfunction, especially on older models.
4. Make sure it has an auto shut off function.
5. Make sure you have smoke detectors that operate with new batteries. Change the battery twice a year.

On average, fires caused by portable heaters cause 65 deaths and 150 injuries annually, according to the US Fire Administration.

Through Sunday night, firefighters battled several house fires throughout Tulsa as temperatures dropped below freezing.

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