Cold start gives way to warmer temps; rain chances next week

Meteorologist Alan Crone has the latest forecast as temperatures warm up heading into the weekend, with rain chances returning next week.

Thursday, January 23rd 2025, 6:52 am

By: News On 6

TULSA, Okla. -

Thursday Morning Update

A weak cold front moved across northern Oklahoma yesterday, keeping today’s afternoon highs in the upper 30s to low 40s. Northwest winds up to 15 mph will create minor wind chills throughout the day.

An upper-level disturbance will move southeast from southern Kansas into northern Oklahoma by midday, bringing a few clouds. There's a very low chance of light snow flurries later this afternoon and evening.

Any Warmer Weather?

Expect daytime highs on Friday to reach the upper 40s to low 50s, with gusty south winds at 15 to 25 mph.

Saturday morning will start in the mid-30s, with highs in the low 50s. Saturday night into early Sunday, a system will approach, bringing shower chances to parts of southern and eastern Oklahoma—mainly east of Highway 69 and south of I-40.

Temperatures will cool slightly, with Sunday afternoon highs in the upper 30s to low 40s. The best chances for rain will be along and south of I-40 and east of I-35.

Rain Next Week?

Yes, rain chances will return next week. An upper-level system currently over Southern California will move eastward early next week, bringing the possibility of rain and possibly thunder to the area by mid-week.

Though the exact timing and track are still uncertain, showers and storms are expected Tuesday night into Wednesday. You may need to have rain gear for Wednesday and later next week.

Extended Outlook

Next week’s forecast hinges on the path of the upper-level low currently in Southern California. While models are inconsistent about its trajectory, there’s a consensus that showers will likely arrive Tuesday night and clear by Wednesday.

However, the main system may not reach our area until later next week, possibly affecting Friday or Saturday. Expect adjustments to this portion of the forecast as more data becomes available.

Where are the warming shelters available in Tulsa this year?

The city of Tulsa, local shelters, warming stations, and outreach teams are working to ensure access to safe, warm spaces during the cold temperatures.

>>> City of Tulsa prepares for extreme cold temperatures

>>> Warming Shelters Open Across Tulsa Amid Freezing Temperatures

Tulsa shelters and temporary warming locations are open to provide refuge. Major locations include:

John 3:16 Mission, 506 N. Cheyenne — Open 24/7
The Salvation Army Center of Hope, 102 N. Denver Ave. — Open 24/7
Tulsa Day Center, 415 W. Archer St. — Open 24/7 (Pets allowed, limited capacity)
Youth Services of Tulsa, 311 S. Madison Ave.

Temporary overflow shelters will also be open for the cold weather:

The Merchant: 605 S. Peoria Ave., open Monday, Jan. 20, 9 a.m.–Noon; Tuesday-Friday, 9–11 a.m.
Denver Avenue Station: 319 S. Denver Ave., open Sunday, 8:30 a.m.–8:30 p.m.; Monday-Saturday, 5:30 a.m.–11:30 p.m.
The Station at Youth Services: 311 S. Madison Ave., open Monday-Friday, 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
Iron Gate: 501 W. Archer St., open daily, 8:30–10:30 a.m.
The Ministry Center: 312 S. 33rd W. Ave., open Tuesday-Thursday, 9:30 a.m.–1 p.m.

For a full list of warming station locations and hours, visit Housing Solutions’ Winter Weather Information Page.

>>> Warming Shelters, Safety Tips For Cold Temperatures This Winter In Oklahoma

Bring Pets Inside!

Winter temperatures can pose additional challenges for pets, particularly older animals or those with health conditions. Hartfield recommends:

Wellness Checks: Ensure pets are up to date on vaccines and discuss arthritis or other cold-weather health concerns with a veterinarian.
Outdoor Time: Monitor the duration of outdoor activities, especially for short-haired breeds or pets with conditions like diabetes or heart disease.
Paw Care: After walks, inspect and clean paws to remove ice or de-icing chemicals that could harm your pet.

>>> Cold Weather Pet Tips: How To Keep Animals Safe During Winter Months

How Can I Protect Myself From Sickness This Winter?

The Tulsa Health Department is urging residents to receive flu and COVID-19 vaccinations to prevent respiratory illnesses as Oklahoma enters the coldest months of the year.

Health experts say the risk of respiratory illnesses is higher during the winter, as colder weather often leads to more indoor gatherings, increasing the likelihood of viruses spreading.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says Oklahoma is one of 11 states with very high respiratory virus activity, and with flu vaccination rates lower than this time in 2024, more people have reported getting sick.

>>> How to Protect Yourself From Respiratory Illness This Winter

Emergency Info: Outages Across Oklahoma:

Northeast Oklahoma has various power companies and electric cooperatives, many of which have overlapping areas of coverage. Below is a link to various outage maps.

>>> Tulsa HVAC, Plumbing Companies Flooded With Calls During Cold Weather