Honestly, if you’ve spent more than twenty-four hours in the 405, you already know the drill. People love to joke that if you don't like the weather for Oklahoma City, just wait five minutes. It’s a cliché, sure. But man, is it accurate.
Today, Friday, January 16, 2026, is a perfect example of that weird OKC whiplash. We’re sitting at a crisp 42°F right now with a north wind blowing at 15 mph. It feels like 35°F out there. You might see the sun and think it's a "light jacket" kind of day, but that wind chill will bite you if you aren't careful. We’re heading for a high of 50°F this afternoon, which is actually pretty decent for mid-January. But don't get too comfortable. Tonight, the temperature is going to crater down to 26°F, and there’s even a 10% chance we’ll see some snow flurries.
The Myth of "Tornado Alley" and the Reality of January
Most outsiders think Oklahoma City is just one big permanent funnel cloud. While we definitely have our share of spring drama, January is usually a battle between the dry air coming off the Rockies and the occasional moisture creep from the Gulf.
Last year, 2024, was actually tied for the hottest year on record in Oklahoma, with a statewide average of 63.2°F. State Climatologist Gary McManus and the folks at the Oklahoma Mesonet have been tracking these shifts for years. It’s getting weirder. We’re seeing more "flash droughts" and then record-breaking rain events that turn the Red River into a lake.
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Basically, the weather for Oklahoma City isn't just about big storms anymore; it's about the extremes. One day it’s 70 degrees in December—which happened 126 times across Mesonet sites last month—and the next, you’re dripping your faucets so the pipes don't burst.
What’s Coming This Week?
If you're planning your weekend, here is the raw deal:
Saturday is going to be a reality check. We're looking at a high of only 36°F and a low of 19°F. It’ll be sunny, but that northwest wind at 20 mph is going to make it feel brutal.
Then, Sunday does that classic Oklahoma pivot. We jump back up to 55°F.
You basically need three different wardrobes just to make it to Monday. It’s kinda exhausting, but you get used to it. The humidity is sitting around 49% right now, which is pretty dry, but it keeps the air feeling "sharp" rather than heavy.
Survival 101: Pipes and Pets
When the weather for Oklahoma City takes these nose-dives into the teens, you've got to be smart. The OKC Fire Department is always preaching about space heaters—keep them three feet away from everything. Seriously. Also, if you’re still leaving your dog outside without a heated shelter when it’s 19 degrees, you’re doing it wrong. A doghouse is not enough when the wind chill hits single digits.
Open those cabinet doors under your sinks tonight. Let the faucets drip. It’s a lot cheaper than calling a plumber because your kitchen flooded at 3:00 AM.
Actionable Steps for the Next 48 Hours
- Layer up for Saturday: Even if the sun is out, the 36°F high combined with 20 mph winds will cause rapid heat loss.
- Vehicle Check: Keep your gas tank at least half full. It prevents fuel line freeze-ups and gives you a safety net if you get stuck.
- Hydrate Your Pets: Make sure outdoor water bowls aren't frozen solid.
- Prepare for Sunday's Warm-up: Don't leave your heavy winter gear in the car when it hits 55°F, or you'll be sweating through your errands.
The weather for Oklahoma City is a rollercoaster, but as long as you stop expecting it to be "normal," you'll handle it just fine. Check your apps, watch the flags to see which way the wind is whipping, and always keep a spare hoodie in the trunk.