OKLAHOMA — Parts of Oklahoma are at risk for severe weather Tuesday, though the primary threat is expected to be large hail and damaging winds, with a more limited tornado risk, according to the National Weather Service’s Storm Prediction Center.
The latest Day 1 Convective Outlook places portions of the state within a broader severe weather risk area extending from the southern Plains into the Midwest. While the highest tornado threat is focused farther north from Iowa into the southern Great Lakes, forecasters say isolated tornadoes remain possible in Oklahoma.
Meteorologists expect thunderstorms to develop during the afternoon and evening along a dryline stretching across the region. Strong daytime heating and an unstable atmosphere — with high levels of available energy — are expected to support storm formation.
The Storm Prediction Center notes that conditions could favor the development of supercells, which are capable of producing severe weather. These storms may bring large to giant hail, damaging wind gusts and the possibility of a tornado, particularly during the early evening hours.
However, forecasters say uncertainty remains regarding low-level wind shear, a key ingredient for tornado formation, which could limit the overall tornado threat across the state.
Residents in Oklahoma are urged to stay weather-aware throughout the day and evening, as storms could intensify quickly and produce hazardous conditions.
