The Woodward News

Local News

October 23, 2012

Colder weather headed this way

Gary Engel Woodward News

Woodward, Okla. — The fall chill will arrive in force this weekend as a major cold front moves through the area.

"The big event for this storm is how much colder it's going to be," said KWTV-Channel 9 Staff Meteorologist Nick Bender. "We're going to see temperatures drop 40 to 50 degrees."

While daytime highs in the 80s look to continue through Wednesday, the National Weather Service-Norman forecast calls for temperatures in Northwest Oklahoma to start dropping drastically on Thursday.

After a high of 85 on Wednesday, the high for Woodward on Thursday is forecast to be in the low 60s, and the highs for Friday through Sunday will be between the upper 40s to lower 50s.  Overnight lows will approach freezing Friday and Saturday nights, according to the NWS forecast.

Due to the possible freezing conditions, officials recommend shutting off lawn sprinkler systems, rolling up water hoses, and taking steps to shelter pets and sensitive plants during the cold snap.

While this weekend's front is expected to bring much colder temperatures, it is not expected to bring much rain.

NWS puts a chance of showers at 20 percent from Thursday night through Friday night, but no major precipitation is expected with the cold front.

Bender is predicting a slightly better chance for rain at 30 percent likelihood on Thursday, but agrees that the area can expect a dry, but chilly Saturday and Sunday with partly cloudy skies.

The meager rain prediction means that the area's wildfire danger remains elevated, especially should there be gusty wind involved.

"WIth these cold fronts, comes wind," said Woodward City/County Emergency Management Director Matt Lehenbauer.

However, NWS has dropped a fire wind advisory for the far western end of the Panhandle and the northwest Texas Panhandle after Wednesday.

Nevertheless, Lehenbauer said, "We'll have all the fire departments in the county standing by, just in case."

"Drought conditions are continuing," he said. "If anyone plans to conduct a burning right now, they need to be careful."

Text Only
Local News
  • Season approaching for Farmer’s Market

    The Woodward Farmer's Market will be in a new location when it opens for the 2013 season on May 25.

    May 17, 2013

  • Routine items on agenda

    The Board of Woodward County Commissioners will address a number of routine annual items during their regular meeting at 10 a.m. Monday at the county courthouse.

    May 17, 2013

  • Walleye Rodeo is under way

    CANTON -  The Walleye Rodeo is under way in Canton with a number of events taking place.

    May 17, 2013

  • Police look for stabbing suspect

    Woodward Police are investigating a stabbing incident that occurred early Wednesday morning at a residence in west Woodward.

    May 16, 2013

  • Seatbelts can make a difference

    Just a few seconds.
    That's all it takes to buckle up.
    And wearing your seatbelt can make all the difference when it comes to surviving a traffic accident, according to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol.

    May 16, 2013

  • At least 6 confirmed dead in Texas tornadoes

    GRANBURY, Texas (AP) — A rash of tornados whirled through small communities in North Texas overnight, leaving at least six people dead, dozens more injured and hundreds homeless. The violent spring storm threw trailers onto cars, blew windows from houses and scattered bodies far from their homes.

    May 16, 2013

  • Committee preparing bond issue

    The Woodward Public School District's Long Range Planning Committee has a "very busy summer ahead" as it prepares to present a bond proposal to the school board.

    May 15, 2013

  • Busy time for local schools

    End of the school year activities continue at a quick pace in Woodward.

    May 15, 2013

  • Chamber hears report on golf course

    Woodward Chamber of Commerce members received an update on the ongoing renovations at Boiling Springs golf course during the monthly Chamber luncheon on Monday.

    May 14, 2013

  • Bicycle safety program Saturday

    A local motorcycle group is looking to help kids get an early start with learning how to be safe while riding on 2 wheels.

    May 14, 2013