Weather and climate in Oklahoma: Hot, humid summers. Cold, dry winters. Frequent thunderstorms. Tornado Alley location. Diverse climate zones. Seasonal temperature extremes. Ice storms in winter. Average precipitation variations. Drought-prone regions. Spring allergy considerations.
Hot, humid summers.
Oklahoma's summers are characterized by high humidity, with dew points often reaching 80% to 90%, making temperatures feel hotter despite not always reaching triple digits. This high humidity, particularly in eastern and southeastern parts of the state, hampers the body's ability to cool down through sweat evaporation, exacerbating the heat. To understand more about this phenomenon, you can explore the detailed article on High Humidity and Heat Bursts that are unusual for summer weather in Oklahoma.
Cold, dry winters.
In Oklahoma, particularly in Eastern Oklahoma and Northwest Arkansas, winters are chilly but bearable, with high temperatures in the mid 40s to lower 50s and overnight lows in the 20s and 30s. The season is also the driest, with occasional short-lived outbreaks of very cold temperatures and average snowfall, though heavy snows are rare. For more detailed weather patterns, the National Weather Service provides extensive information on winter climate patterns in the region.
Frequent thunderstorms.
Oklahoma experiences frequent thunderstorms, particularly in late spring and early summer, with an average of about 55 days per year in the east, decreasing to around 45 days in the southwest, and increasing to near 60 days in the extreme western panhandle. The peak months for thunderstorms vary by region, with May being the most frequent in the southeastern two-thirds of the state, June in much of the remainder, and July in the western panhandle. For more information on the climate patterns in Oklahoma, visit the Oklahoma Historical Society website.
Tornado Alley location.
Tornado Alley, which includes Oklahoma, spans from northern Texas through Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, and parts of Louisiana, Iowa, Nebraska, and eastern Colorado. This region is prone to a high frequency and intensity of tornadoes due to the mixing of warm, moist air from the Gulf of Mexico and cold, dry air from Canada. For further details on the dynamics and safety information related to this phenomenon, you can explore more about Tornado Alley on the Accuweather website.
Diverse climate zones.
Oklahoma's climate is diverse, ranging from a Humid Subtropical Climate in the central, southern, and eastern parts to a semi-arid climate in the west, influenced by its location in the Great Plains, proximity to the Gulf of Mexico, and varying elevations. For more detailed information about the climate zones of Oklahoma, visit the Climate Zone page.
Seasonal temperature extremes.
Oklahoma experiences significant seasonal temperature extremes. Summers are long and hot, with temperatures of 100°F or higher occurring frequently from May to September, especially in western Oklahoma where these high temperatures can persist for 30 to 40 days. Winters, on the other hand, are shorter and less severe, with periods of extreme cold being rare and generally not lasting more than a few days. The average date of the first autumn freeze varies across the state, ranging from about October 15 in the western panhandle to November 10 along the Red River. For a more detailed understanding of these climatic patterns, you can visit the Oklahoma Climate website.
Ice storms in winter.
Ice storms in Oklahoma during winter can be devastating, as seen in the December 2007 ice storm, which caused widespread damage to trees and power lines, left over 641,000 people without power, and resulted in 27 deaths. Such storms often occur when a cold front interacts with a warm, moist airmass, leading to significant ice accumulation and severe disruptions. For more detailed information regarding the events and impact, visit the National Weather Service. These events highlight the critical nature of understanding and preparing for severe weather conditions.
Average precipitation variations.
Average annual precipitation in Oklahoma varies significantly, ranging from about 17 inches in the far western panhandle to about 56 inches in the far southeast, with the frequency of days with measurable precipitation increasing from 45 days per year in western Oklahoma to 115 near the Arkansas border. The majority of precipitation falls during the spring and summer months, with May typically being the wettest month across most of the state. For more detailed information, you can visit the Oklahoma Climate website.
Drought-prone regions.
Western Oklahoma is more susceptible to drought due to more variable precipitation, making it marginal for dryland farming. The state as a whole experiences recurring droughts, particularly impacting the western and panhandle regions. For more in-depth information and comprehensive data, you can explore the Oklahoma Climate Survey which provides insightful details on these climatic challenges.
Spring allergy considerations.
In Oklahoma, spring allergies are triggered by pollen from oak, cedar, and maple trees, as well as grass pollen, leading to symptoms like sneezing, itching, and congestion, with the season typically starting in March or April and varying by region. For more detailed information on allergies and their treatment across different areas, you can visit the Allermis Allergy Season in Oklahoma page. Taking appropriate precautions during this time can help manage these discomforting symptoms effectively.