Oklahoma – Cold air settles across northeastern Oklahoma this morning as Tulsa starts the day under mostly cloudy skies and a winter edge. The chill feels sharp, and the pattern ahead keeps residents thinking about freezing mornings and fast temperature swings.
According to the National Weather Service, early temperatures sit in the upper 30s, with clouds limiting early warming. Winds remain light but steady, keeping the air brisk. While roads stay dry today, cold pavement can still surprise drivers during shaded stretches.
Conditions improve slightly through the afternoon. Highs reach the mid-50s, offering a break from the morning chill. Tonight, however, colder air slides back in. Temperatures fall into the mid-30s, and skies gradually clear.
Wednesday turns milder. Sunshine increases, and highs approach 60 degrees. Winds pick up at times, especially late in the day, which may affect high-profile vehicles along U.S. 75 and I-44. To be fair, it feels more like late fall than winter by afternoon.
The sharp change arrives Thursday, December 18th. Skies stay sunny, but colder air strengthens. Afternoon highs reach the upper 50s, then drop quickly after sunset. Temperatures dip near 28 degrees by early Friday, marking a hard freeze for many neighborhoods.
This warm-to-cold transition raises a familiar December concern. Any moisture from previous days can refreeze, especially on bridges and overpasses. Drivers should stay alert for black ice early Friday, even if roads appear dry.
Friday stays dry and bright but cooler, with highs near the mid-50s. The weekend brings a rebound. Saturday and Sunday trend sunny and warmer, with highs climbing into the upper 60s. That warmth helps holiday errands and early Christmas travel plans.
Looking ahead, meteorologists continue watching for broader winter shifts later this month. For now, Tulsa’s pattern favors clear skies, cold nights, and mild afternoons.
