In the coming days, the Midwest and southern regions of the United States are bracing for potentially dangerous weather conditions. According to multiple weather forecasts, Oklahoma and parts of Texas are at heightened risk for severe storms on Saturday, May 25, 2024.
The National Weather Service (NWS) in Norman, Oklahoma has issued a tornado watch for much of northern and central to west-central Oklahoma. The agency warns that isolated to scattered storms are expected to develop across western OK and move east into central OK late afternoon and evening. These storms may bring large hail, damaging winds, and the potential for tornadoes.
In addition, parts of south Texas are forecasted to experience triple-digit temperatures during the weekend. The heat index is predicted to approach near 120 degrees Fahrenheit (49 degrees Celsius) in some areas. This extreme heat can lead to dangerous conditions for residents and pose a risk for wildfires.
The severe weather system is expected to move east as the Memorial Day weekend continues, bringing rain that could delay the Indianapolis 500 auto race on Sunday, May 26, in Indiana. More severe storms are also predicted for Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, and Kentucky.
April and May have already seen an unusually high number of tornadoes across the United States. Iowa has been hit particularly hard this week with a deadly twister devastating Greenfield and other storms bringing flooding and wind damage elsewhere in the state. The Storm Prediction Center in Norman, Oklahoma reports that the U.S. is already 25% ahead of the average number of tornadoes for this time of year.
Stay tuned for updates on these developing weather conditions from trusted sources such as your local National Weather Service office and reputable news outlets.
