Tulsa weather is a fickle beast. One minute you're walking down Riverside Drive in a light hoodie, and the next, a "blue norther" is screaming across the plains, making you question every life choice that led you to the Midwest in January.
If you're looking at the extended weather forecast Tulsa ok, you've probably noticed the upcoming week looks like a fever dream of temperature swings. We are currently sitting in that weird mid-winter pocket where the atmosphere can't decide if it wants to be spring or the Arctic Circle.
The Immediate Outlook: Sun, Then a Sharp Reality Check
Right now, Tulsa is soaking in some decent sunshine. Today, Sunday, January 18, we’re seeing a high of 50°F. It feels okay, honestly. But don't let the West wind at 6 mph fool you into thinking the coats can stay in the closet. The humidity is low at 27%, which makes that 15°F low tonight feel particularly crisp.
Tomorrow, Monday, things take a turn.
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Monday, January 19, is looking cloudy with a high of only 32°F. That’s a nearly 20-degree drop in 24 hours. Welcome to Oklahoma. We're also looking at a 20% chance of snow during the day. It’s not a blizzard, but with a Northeast wind kicking up to 12 mph, it’s going to bite.
The Mid-Week Warmup
Because Tulsa loves a good comeback story, Tuesday and Wednesday are going to feel like a different season entirely.
- Tuesday, Jan 20: Sunny with a high of 53°F.
- Wednesday, Jan 21: Sunny with a high of 55°F.
Wednesday actually looks like the pick of the week. Winds will be from the North at 12 mph, but with the sun out and a high in the mid-50s, it’s about as good as January gets in Green Country. Just keep an eye on the night—the low drops to 26°F, so your pipes still need to be on your radar.
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The Long-Range Curveball: Snow and Rain
If you're planning for next weekend, things get messy. The extended weather forecast Tulsa ok shows a slow slide back into the 40s by Friday, January 23. But it’s Sunday, January 25, that has the local meteorologists leaning in.
We are looking at a 45% chance of snow during the day on Sunday, which jumps to a whopping 75% chance of snow that night. The high will only hit 39°F before bottoming out at 15°F. This isn't just a dusting; it’s a legitimate system moving through with East winds at 15 mph.
Historically, January is our coldest month. The National Weather Service records show our average high is usually around 49°F, and we typically see about 1.8 inches of snow for the whole month. If this Sunday system delivers, we might hit that average in a single night.
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Tulsa Weather Myths vs. Reality
People always say, "If you don't like the weather in Oklahoma, wait five minutes." Kinda true, but mostly it's about the jet stream. Tulsa sits right in the "battle zone" where warm, moist air from the Gulf of Mexico slams into cold, dry air from Canada.
- The "Too Cold to Snow" Myth: You've heard it. It's wrong. It’s never too cold to snow; it’s just usually too dry when it's that cold.
- The 10-Day Accuracy: Honestly? Anything past day seven is a "vibes based" forecast. Computers get weird. But when you see a 75% precipitation chance five days out, you should probably buy the bread and milk now.
What to Do With This Info
Basically, you’ve got a window. Tuesday and Wednesday are your "get stuff done" days. Clean the gutters, check the tire pressure, or finally go for that run at Turkey Mountain.
By Friday night, the Northeast winds ramp up to 17 mph, and the "feels like" temperature is going to tank. If you have outdoor pets or sensitive plants, Saturday is your last chance to get them situated before the Sunday snow potential hits.
Tulsa winters aren't usually about one long, deep freeze. They’re about the whiplash. Going from 55°F on Wednesday to a 15°F low by Sunday is standard operating procedure here. Keep the ice scraper in the car. You’re gonna need it.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Insulate outside faucets by Thursday evening before the temps start their weekend slide.
- Schedule outdoor errands for Wednesday afternoon to take advantage of the 55°F peak.
- Monitor the Sunday evening forecast specifically for timing on that 75% snow chance if you have a Monday morning commute.