Fire, snow and thunderstorms? What's coming for Oklahoma's wild weather this week

Two opposite corners of the Sooner State could see severe weather Wednesday, with National Weather Service meteorologists forecasting snow in northwest Oklahoma and thunderstorms and damaging winds in the southeast.

But before Wednesday's wild weather, much of Oklahoma will likely see rain Monday night followed by "windy conditions and fire weather" on Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service in Norman's twitter. Tuesday's gusts could reach up to 40 to 45 miles per hour in the Oklahoma City metro.

Where will it rain in Oklahoma on Monday night?

Rain will move through most of the state Monday night into Tuesday morning, said Kevin Brown, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Norman. But, most areas will receive less than a half inch of rain, Brown said.

"It's just going to be kind of quick shot of rain," Brown said. "Could be a few rumbles of thunder but no severe weather ... it's not going to stop fires from spreading with the strong wind (on Tuesday)."

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How windy will it be in Oklahoma on Tuesday, and why are there fire chances?

Strong southwest and westerly winds will follow behind the rain and overtake much of the state Tuesday. Gusts of 40 to 50 are likely in most of Oklahoma, Brown said.

With most of Oklahoma still experiencing moderate to severe drought, Brown said fires are likely especially in western Oklahoma.

"Any outdoor burning, any welding, anything that can start fires should be avoided (Tuesday)," Brown said.

Will there be snow and tornadoes in Oklahoma this week?

Rain showers are forecasted throughout much of the state for Wednesday, and that rain could become snow in the Oklahoma panhandle, while it could mean strong to severe thunderstorms in the southeast.

Brown said right now, tornado chances aren't zero in Oklahoma for Wednesday, but are more likely in Arkansas. In southeast Oklahoma, damaging winds are the main concern and some hail is possible, Brown said.

What's weather like near you? Check out your hourly forecast

The snow storm will move through the Oklahoma panhandle and on towards Kansas and Iowa on Wednesday, Brown said. It's possible rain in the north central part of the state could become snow, but the Oklahoma City metro will likely only see rain showers late that afternoon.

Brown said it's not uncommon to see such contrasting weather happening in different parts of the state.

"This time of year, February into March, having winter in one part of the state and severe in the other and maybe fire in the other, that happens every year," he said.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma may snow, tornadoes this week. Check out the weather forecast