Tulsa, Oklahoma – January 2026 ended colder and drier than average across eastern Oklahoma and northwest Arkansas, according to newly released climate statistics from the National Weather Service in Tulsa.
Data show Tulsa recorded a mean temperature of 36.7 degrees, finishing 1.8 degrees below normal for the month. Fort Smith averaged 39.4 degrees, about 1.0 degree below normal, while Fayetteville posted a mean temperature of 35.7 degrees, ending 0.7 degrees below average. Average high temperatures across the region ranged from the upper 40s to low 50s, while average lows fell into the mid-20s to upper 20s.
The coldest readings of the month occurred late in January, with Tulsa dropping to 0 degrees on January 26, Fort Smith reaching 4 degrees on January 27, and Fayetteville falling to -9 degrees on January 26. The warmest temperatures were observed early in the month, with highs reaching 74 degrees across all three cities between January 6 and January 7.
Precipitation totals also finished below normal. Tulsa recorded 1.48 inches, about 0.15 inches below average. Fort Smith measured 1.62 inches, running 1.29 inches below normal, while Fayetteville reported 1.31 inches, nearly 1.44 inches below average for January.
The wettest single-day event occurred on January 8 in Tulsa, with 0.70 inches of precipitation. Fort Smith and Fayetteville saw their highest 24-hour totals on January 24, measuring 1.08 inches and 0.51 inches, respectively.
While no major winter storms significantly disrupted travel, prolonged cold periods likely increased heating demand and affected early-morning travel along I-44, I-40, I-49, and I-540 during late January.
These statistics provide important context for regional planning, agriculture, and infrastructure as the area transitions toward late winter and early spring patterns.
