Weather
Oklahoma Thanksgiving Travel: 70–80% Wet Signal Nov. 18–24
Oklahoma City, OK – Thanksgiving travelers across Oklahoma could face a dramatically wetter weather pattern as precipitation probabilities surge heading into November 18–24, raising concerns about hea
By Lena Wood · 2026-11-11T05:32:04.673Z
Oklahoma City, OK – Thanksgiving travelers across Oklahoma could face a dramatically wetter weather pattern as precipitation probabilities surge heading into November 18–24, raising concerns about heavy rain, developing storms and the possibility of snow, freezing rain or icy highways if colder air arrives during the busy holiday travel period.
According to NOAA's Climate Prediction Center, its November 10 outlook favors above normal precipitation across Oklahoma and much of the central United States from Wednesday, November 18, through Tuesday, November 24.
Oklahoma stands out in the national outlook, with portions of the state reaching the 70–80% probability category for above normal precipitation. That places parts of Oklahoma within one of the strongest wet signals across the country.
Oklahoma City, Norman and Central Oklahoma Oklahoma City, Norman, Edmond, Moore, Midwest City and surrounding communities are positioned within the elevated precipitation outlook.
Travelers along Interstate 35, Interstate 40 and Interstate 44 should monitor forecasts for developing storms, heavier rainfall and potentially hazardous road conditions.
Tulsa, Broken Arrow and Northeastern Oklahoma Tulsa, Broken Arrow, Owasso, Claremore, Bartlesville and surrounding communities could experience periods of unsettled weather as the wetter pattern develops.
Rain and thunderstorms are potential concerns, while snow, sleet or freezing rain could become possible if sufficiently cold air overlaps with precipitation.
Lawton, Duncan and Southwestern Oklahoma Lawton, Duncan, Altus and surrounding communities are also within the broader region favored for above normal precipitation.
Developing storm systems could bring periods of rain, potentially affecting travel along Interstate 44 and U.S. Highway 62.
Enid, Stillwater and Northwestern Oklahoma Enid, Stillwater, Ponca City, Woodward and Guymon could experience changing conditions during the November 18–24 period.
Northern and northwestern Oklahoma warrant attention for possible winter precipitation if colder temperatures arrive while precipitation is occurring.
Thanksgiving Travel: Could Winter Storms Develop? The strong precipitation signal arrives ahead of Thanksgiving on Thursday, November 26, increasing attention on possible holiday travel disruptions across Oklahoma.
Rain and thunderstorms are the primary concerns under the broader warmer than normal temperature outlook. However, snow, sleet and freezing rain remain possible if colder air interacts with developing storm systems.
The 70–80% probability category represents the likelihood of above normal precipitation during the outlook period, not a 70–80% chance of snow, ice or severe thunderstorms.
With November 18–24 extending into the beginning of Thanksgiving week, Oklahoma residents should monitor upcoming forecasts for storm timing, rainfall intensity, temperatures and potential highway impacts.