Where the wind comes scream across the plains, snatchin' up yo people.
Today was one of those days Oklahomans are used to, where you can lean into the wind and the 30 mph gust will hold you up.
I have long hair for a fella. It’s not quite to my shoulder, but it’s all there. And in this wind, it drives me absolutely insane.
So far at the
Oklahoma Mesonet station in Bixby, the max gust in the last 24 hours was 37 mph. It is even worse out west, as usual. The max gust in west Oklahoma City was 69 (they just had storms roll through, though. I’ll get to that). Elsewhere had gusts over 60. That’s a lot.
Why the wind, do you ask? Well, there is a powerful low pressure system to our north, accompanied by a cold front that is racing across Oklahoma right now.
Those storms I mentioned earlier are racing toward us along with that front. By the time you read this, it will be old news (But, see it
here if you want or read this in time). So, I’ll just say that as of 4:17 p.m. Monday, February 20, the storms are moving northeast at 45 mph. There are severe thunderstorm warnings associated with the storms with the main threats being wind and small hail.
And the wind won’t be done after the storms come through. Overnight forecasts call for 45 mph gusts.
So, mind your grills and put out your smokes.
Then, break out the flip flops and shorts, because the rest of the week is gorgeous.
I went to Arkansas last weekend, and some of the daffodils there were already in full bloom. Some of the trees were budding. There was green grass.
Now, I’m very excited for spring, but part of what makes spring so exciting is the end of winter. Well, when you kinda just go from fall to spring, it takes a little bit of the fun out of it.
Seeing those signs of spring were great. I just don’t want to see them around Valentine’s Day.
I know, I know. I shouldn’t complain about nice weather. I’m done now. Excuse me while I enjoy being outside as much as possible with longer days and
highs near 70 this week.
--Jerry Wofford
