Will it rain on July 4th? Oklahoma weather forecast threatens severe storms, grassfires
The National Weather Service has released a Fourth of July forecast that includes nearly all the Oklahoma hazards.
The main holiday-related threat over the next few days is an elevated risk of grassfires. Most of Oklahoma has been mostly hot and dry for weeks, which creates the conditions on the ground that allows fire to spread.
Caution should be used when using fireworks.
Parts of Oklahoma and western north Texas have received very little rainfall over the past several weeks and non-irrigated vegetation has become stressed. Hot and breezy days will elevate fire weather conditions until meaningful rainfall occurs. #okwx #texomawx pic.twitter.com/7nY3S0ETi8
— NWS Norman (@NWSNorman) July 2, 2024
A cold front from the north is expected to linger until at least Thursday. The front could trigger the formation of thunderstorms in northwest Oklahoma, eventually expanding into central Oklahoma on Thursday, the Fourth of July.
The main threat from these storms will be hail and damaging winds, which could impact outdoor holiday activities during the afternoon and evening hours.
Naturally, however, the cold front and any rainfall that comes through the area should improve the wildfire risk and break the oppressive heat wave that's kept temperatures above 100 degrees. Oklahoma City could see the daily high temperature dip below 90 degrees on Friday — the first time in two weeks.
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: July 4th OKC weather: Severe storms, grassfires in forecast
