Dust from west Texas and New Mexico blew into the area behind a vigorous, synoptically forced dryline that passed through during the midmorning hours. Unfortunately, so did the very low-humidity boundary layer characteristic of the that side of intense drylines. As strong winds and dry conditions continued, over 100 wildfires erupted across the state. Though at least three of them were closer, in Cleveland County, they were located abeam (northwest and southeast) and downwind (northeast) of us. This sky included smoke from a short-lived but large fire near Chickasha, about 30 miles to the southwest, as well as Permian Basin dust. It was the most pronounced, all-afternoon dust event I recalled in these parts since New Year’s Day 2006.
Norman OK (14 Mar 25) Looking W