NWS Forecast Office Tulsa, OK

Prolonged dry conditions have led to widespread moderate to extreme drought across E OK & NW AR. Worst conditions are across NE OK and NW AR, where extreme drought has expanded this week. Rain chances increase next week, potentially providing some drought relief to the region.

A large scale pattern change is forecast next week, which will bring more moisture into the region. This will likely lead to higher rain and thunderstorm chances beginning Saturday night through the week, with potential for wetting rainfall areawide. Location and timing details will be refined in the coming days.

Limited fire weather concerns return today and will persist through this weekend. Rain chances increase Saturday, with precipitation chances lingering into early next week. Much cooler temperatures are expected beginning Sunday behind a strong cold front.