Texas shatters temperature records as triple-digit forecast looms; Oklahoma still facing tornado threat | WGN Radio 720

Severe storms and possible tornadoes continued to wreak havoc across parts of Oklahoma on Saturday, while South Texas faced record-breaking heat as Memorial Day weekend kicked off.

The National Weather Service in Norman, Oklahoma, likened the weather conditions on Saturday to a “gasoline-soaked brush pile,” warning of the potential for explosive storms with large hail, dangerous winds, and tornadoes.

In South Texas, temperatures soared to near triple digits, with heat index values approaching a scorching 120 degrees Fahrenheit in some areas. The region found itself under a heat dome stretching from Mexico to South America, creating sweltering conditions more typical of mid-summer.

Record highs for late May were forecast for cities like Austin, Brownsville, Dallas, and San Antonio, with some areas already breaking temperature records on Saturday. Red Flag fire warnings were also issued in West Texas and other states due to low humidity and strong winds, increasing the risk of wildfires.

Meanwhile, in Rolla, North Dakota, several inches of snow fell, highlighting the unpredictable and extreme weather patterns seen across the country in recent months.

The storm system responsible for the severe weather was expected to move eastward, potentially impacting events like the Indianapolis 500 and bringing more severe storms to states like Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, and Kentucky.

As climate change continues to impact weather patterns, the frequency and severity of storms, tornadoes, and other extreme weather events are on the rise, underscoring the importance of preparedness and resilience in the face of unpredictable conditions.