Damp, blustery start to week in Oklahoma

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Published: November 15, 2009

Rain, gusty winds and the chance for snow in some areas will mark the beginning of the week in Oklahoma today and Monday, but relatively pleasant mid-autumn weather should finish it out.

A system of colder air and widespread rain showers began moving east across the state overnight, according to the National Weather Service.

The chance for rain and light show persists in the Oklahoma City-area through Monday, but no accumulation of snow or ice is expected, according to the weather service. Some of the coldest temperatures of the season are expected each night through Tuesday, but should stay above freezing.

The skies should clear in Oklahoma by midweek, and the sun is expected to stay out until at least Saturday, forecasters said. Cloud cover could return Saturday with a slight chance of rain.

Snow begins to fall in the Panhandle

Rain in far northwestern Oklahoma and the Panhandle today should change to snow overnight, and accumulations of up to four inches are possible in some areas.

Temperatures stayed above freezing through most of today in the Panhandle, but a mass of cold air began moving in late this afternoon. Oklahoma Mesonet stations in the far western Panhandle were below freezing by 3:30 p.m., and forecasters said temperatures should continue to drop through the night.

Authorities urge motorists to use caution during rain and wintry weather, especially on bridges and overpasses.

Oklahoma City-area forecast

- Tonight: Cloudy. Low around 39. North-northwest winds 11 to 16 mph, gusting to 23 mph. Sixty percent chance of showers.

- Monday: Cloudy. High near 47. North-northwest winds 15 to 17 mph, gusting to 24 mph. Forty percent chance of showers or light snow.

- Monday night: Mostly cloudy. Low around 37. North-northwest winds 10 to 16 mph, gusting to 23 mph.