Tulsa, OK – December is shaping up to be one of the driest on record across eastern Oklahoma and northwest Arkansas, with several cities now approaching or challenging historic precipitation lows as the month winds down.
According to the National Weather Service in Tulsa, rainfall across the region has been extremely limited throughout December. Tulsa has recorded just 0.01 inches of precipitation so far, placing 2025 as the second-driest December on record for the city. The driest December remains 1900, when no measurable precipitation was recorded.
Other cities in the region are also nearing record territory. Fort Smith, Arkansas, has recorded 0.07 inches of precipitation so far this month, putting it within striking distance of its December record low of 0.09 inches set in 1908. Fayetteville, Arkansas, has received 0.11 inches, compared to its record low of 0.26 inches from 1955, giving it a higher chance of setting a new record if dry conditions persist.
Forecasters say precipitation chances appear limited for the remainder of the month, with a cold front expected Sunday potentially serving as the final opportunity to add measurable rainfall before December ends. Even then, chances remain uncertain and may not be enough to significantly change monthly totals.
The prolonged dry stretch has implications beyond record books, including elevated fire weather concerns, continued stress on soil moisture, and impacts to agriculture and winter vegetation.
The National Weather Service says more record-related updates are possible in the coming days as forecasters continue to monitor precipitation trends across the region.
Residents are encouraged to stay aware of fire safety guidance and monitor updated forecasts as the end of the month approaches.
