Fire danger continues

(TULSA, Okla.) After a relatively chilly night Sunday, a warming trend is expected in advance of the next cold front that is forecast to move through the region Thursday night into Friday. Gusty southerly winds will return to the area mid week, and will combine with dry air already in place to create an elevated threat of rapid fire spread on Wednesday afternoon. Exercise care to avoid fire starts. Shower and thunderstorm chances increase late Wednesday night and continue through Friday in association with the late week cold front. As we move into Friday night and Saturday, there will be a transition to lighter precipitation as the attendant mid-level shortwave moves across the area. A wintry mix looks possible across portions of the region Friday night into Saturday morning as cold air works into the area behind the departing cold front. Monday Sunny, with a high near 53. Calm wind becoming northwest around 5 mph in the afternoon. Monday Night Clear, with a low around 30. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph. Tuesday Sunny, with a high near 56. Northwest wind around 5 mph becoming southwest in the afternoon. Tuesday Night Clear, with a low around 35. South wind around 5 mph. Wednesday Sunny, with a high near 58. South wind 10 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 40 mph. Wednesday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 47. South wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Thursday A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 66. South wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Thursday Night A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 43. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming north after midnight. Friday A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 54. Northeast wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. Friday Night A chance of rain, freezing rain, and sleet. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 30. North wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. Saturday A slight chance of rain and snow. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 45. North wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%. Saturday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 30. North wind 5 to 10 mph becoming south after midnight. Sunday Sunny, with a high near 54. South wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.