Oklahoma – Bright skies and calm air greet Tulsa this morning, but the quiet feels deceptive. Cold metal bites faster at sunrise, and a powerful winter system is already lining up just beyond the Plains.
For now, conditions stay dry and mild. Today brings sunshine and highs near the low 50s, followed by a cold night with temperatures dipping into the 20s. Thursday stays partly sunny, but winds increase late as colder air presses south. That shift matters.
By Friday afternoon, snow chances rise quickly across northeastern Oklahoma. A Winter Storm Watch is in effect from Friday afternoon through late Saturday night for Tulsa and surrounding counties. Meteorologists are tracking a strengthening system that may bring heavy snow, blowing snow, and dangerous cold.
Snow could begin Friday afternoon, then intensify Friday evening. Some areas may see snow mixing with sleet early before turning all snow overnight. Accumulations of 6 to 10 inches are possible, with locally higher amounts. Northeast winds may gust over 30 mph, reducing visibility and drifting snow across roadways.
Saturday looks harsh. Temperatures may struggle to reach the low teens, and wind chills could dip below zero. Roads may become slick quickly, especially as melting refreezes during brief daylight breaks. Travel could become very difficult, particularly on highways like I-44 and elevated ramps around Tulsa.
Saturday night stays bitterly cold with continued snow chances. Even as snow tapers Sunday, icy patches may linger. Flash freezing remains a concern as temperatures stay well below freezing.
Looking ahead, the 6–10 day outlook shows below-normal temperatures lingering across Oklahoma, while precipitation chances increase next week across the central U.S. More winter systems may follow.
Five-Day Outlook for Tulsa, Oklahoma
Today: Sunny, high near 52.
Thursday: Partly sunny, high near 51.
Friday: Chance of snow, high near 27.
Saturday: Snow likely, high near 12.
Sunday: Slight chance of snow early, high near 21.
