Tulsa, Oklahoma – Dangerously cold wind chills continue across parts of eastern Oklahoma and western Arkansas this morning, with some locations experiencing near zero to sub-zero conditions before gradual improvement later today.
According to the National Weather Service in Tulsa, near zero to sub-zero wind chills are occurring across the region through mid-morning. An Extreme Cold Warning remains in effect until 10 a.m. Tuesday, as lingering Arctic air and light winds keep apparent temperatures dangerously low.
Minimum wind chill forecasts show readings near -4 degrees in parts of northeast Oklahoma, including areas around Okemah and Rogers, with wind chills near -2 to 2 degrees reported in Tulsa, Muskogee, and Bartlesville. Fort Smith and Fayetteville have also experienced near-zero wind chills during the early morning hours.
Communities impacted include Tulsa, Broken Arrow, Muskogee, Bartlesville, McAlester, Miami, Tahlequah, and Fort Smith. Motorists traveling along Interstate 44, Interstate 40, U.S. Highway 75, U.S. Highway 62, and U.S. Highway 64 may face the harshest exposure conditions during the early commute, particularly on open and elevated roadways.
The National Weather Service warns that frostbite can occur on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes, especially during the coldest hours before sunrise. Cold-related stress may also impact vulnerable populations and those without adequate heating.
Conditions are expected to rapidly improve after sunrise as temperatures rise and winds gradually diminish through the remainder of the morning. Despite the improvement, residents are urged to continue cold-weather precautions until temperatures recover.
Officials recommend dressing in warm layers, limiting time outdoors, and bringing pets indoors. Pipes should remain protected, and alternate heating sources should be used safely.
Students, early-shift workers, and commuters traveling before mid-morning are most affected by the extreme cold.
Forecasters advise monitoring official updates as the Extreme Cold Warning expires later this morning and conditions continue to moderate through the day.
