Although Oklahoma is no stranger to rainfall in May, continued showers and thunderstorms in the forecast for next week could mean an already dangerous and deadly flooding problem is far from over.
El Nino, a prolonged warming of Pacific Ocean sea surface temperatures along the Equator, coupled with an active Jetstream and more than plentiful moisture from the Gulf of Mexico has caused an overwhelming amount of rain to fall across the region.
Norman has received 23.73 inches of rain over the past 30 days, according to the Oklahoma Mesonet.
Oklahoma City’s Will Rogers World Airport has received 27.37 inches of rain since January 1, according to the National Weather Service. The average for this time of year is less than half that, at 12.47 inches—a surplus of nearly 15 inches of rain.
For comparison, OKC averages 36.5 inches of precipitation per year.
While rainfall has completely busted the drought in Central and Eastern Oklahoma, Lake Thunderbird was forced to open the floodgates to control water levels for the first time in its history. At least four people have died because of flooding in May, according to state officials.
As in a normal El Nino year, below normal temperatures and above average precipitation is forecasted for the Southern Plains throughout the summer months. For Oklahoma, with an already oversaturated ground, flooding risks look to become the norm in what could likely become a record-setting year in Oklahoma.
Seven Day Forecast – Norman
Monday: 77/65, 60% Chance of Showers and T-Storms
Tuesday: 79/64, 30% Chance of T-Storms **POTENTIAL SEVERE WEATHER DAY**
Wednesday: 82/65, 40% Chance of T-Storms
Thursday: 79/64, 30% Chance of T-Storms
Friday: 78/66, 70% Chance of T-Storms
Saturday: 77/65, 60% Chance of T-Storms
Sunday: 76/59, 30% Chance of T-Storms
