Tulsa, Oklahoma – Patchy to locally dense fog may impact travel across eastern Oklahoma and northwest Arkansas early Christmas morning, followed by near-record warmth later in the day, according to the National Weather Service in Tulsa.
The National Weather Service says areas of fog are possible through Christmas morning, with locally dense fog reducing visibility to one-half mile or less in some locations. The highest potential for dense fog is across northeast Oklahoma and west-central Arkansas, though portions of the Interstate 44 and Interstate 40 corridors could also see brief visibility reductions. Drivers are urged to slow down, use low-beam headlights, and allow extra following distance.
After fog dissipates by late morning, record or near-record warmth is expected Christmas Day across much of eastern Oklahoma and northwest Arkansas. Forecast highs are expected to reach the upper 70s to near 80 degrees, including Tulsa, McAlester, Muskogee, Fort Smith, and Fayetteville. The National Weather Service notes there is potential to challenge or exceed December all-time high temperatures in some locations.
A 7-day forecast outlook from the National Weather Service indicates near-record high temperatures will continue through Saturday, including Christmas Day. A cold front is expected to move through the region on Sunday, bringing low chances for rain or thunderstorms along with much colder temperatures for early next week.
Residents traveling for the holiday are encouraged to remain alert for rapidly changing visibility conditions Christmas morning and to prepare for a sharp shift to colder weather after the weekend.
