Severe storms expected Friday evening

Severe storms are expected Friday evening, especially across parts of southeast and east central Oklahoma, as well as west central Arkansas. 

These storms are expected to move into the Tulsa area between 7 p.m. and 11 p.m. Friday.

While large hail will be the main severe weather threat, a few tornadoes will also be possible. The overall severe weather threat will be dependent on how much instability can develop at the surface.

Given the strong deep layer shear, at least a few rotating updrafts appear likely, with a relatively higher threat of surface wind speed based storms south of I-40. 

Temps will be a bit cooler Saturday behind the initial cold front with a stronger reinforcing surge of colder air arriving by Sunday night as a broad long wave trough pattern evolves over North America. There remains at least an outside chance of some shortwave energy moving through early next week and will leave a slight chance of snow across northern areas Monday, though models still differ considerably at this point. 

This pattern will continue to favor below normal temperatures through much of next week.