Gusty winds and sunshine ahead as temperatures warm across Oklahoma

Strong southwest winds at 15 to nearly 30 mph, combined with dormant vegetation and a dry lower atmosphere, will support a rapid-fire spread today. Outdoor burning is highly discouraged.

Any Rain This Weekend?

A weak boundary will move across the area later this afternoon and tonight, bringing north winds and cooler weather for part of the weekend.

An upper-level system will approach from the west by Sunday afternoon and evening, bringing a chance of showers and storms late Sunday night, exiting early Monday morning.

This system is not expected to be a big severe weather maker as surface instability is expected to be low, but a few strong storms may still be possible due to the strong shear anticipated.

Will the Tuesday System Bring Severe Threats?

A stronger storm system will approach the area on Tuesday, potentially bringing severe storms across eastern Oklahoma early Tuesday morning before quickly moving east of the state, where additional severe weather threats will develop.

A slower system would bring higher severe threats westward, possibly nearing the Tulsa metro. A faster system will keep the most severe threats along or east of Highway 69.

A few leftover showers are possible early Wednesday morning across far northern Oklahoma. Further north, where colder air is likely, rain and snow mix are possible across portions of central or eastern Kansas, but this should stay away from our immediate area of concern.

Are We Finished with Cooler Weather?

Not yet. A minor cooldown is expected from the middle to the end of next week before another storm system approaches on Friday, bringing another chance of showers and thunderstorms.

Temps will drop into the 50s for highs both Wednesday and Thursday based on today’s data. 

Additional periods of warmer weather followed by additional cook-downs will still be possible in our current pattern.

Temps and Winds

Temperatures this morning will start in the upper 30s and lower 40s, reaching the upper 70s in the north and a few lower 80s in the south.

Gusty southwest to west winds will be likely until the front passes the area tonight, bringing north winds decreasing in speed later tonight.

Saturday morning will start with temperatures in the upper 30s and lower 40s, with daytime highs in the lower 60s for most of northern Oklahoma. A few locations in extreme northeastern Oklahoma will experience highs in the upper 50s. North winds are likely at 10 to nearly 15 mph.

As the next storm system approaches on Sunday, the pressure gradient will strengthen, allowing gusty southeast winds at 15 to 25 mph. Morning lows will start in the lower 40s, with daytime highs topping out in the lower to mid-60s with increasing clouds.

Daytime highs on Monday will reach the mid to upper 60s, with a few locations in the lower 70s. Gusty south winds at 15 to 30 mph are expected.

Strong southwest winds are likely on Tuesday as the storm system brings thunderstorms near and east of the state. Morning lows will be in the mid-50s, with daytime highs in the lower or even mid-70s behind the departing storms before cooler weather arrives Tuesday night.

Wednesday morning will start in the lower 40s, with daytime highs in the mid-50s.

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Winter Weather Preparation:

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

>>> Oklahoma opens shelters and warming centers amid winter storm

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

1. John 3:16 Mission, 506 N. Cheyenne — Open 24/7
2. The Salvation Army Center of Hope, 102 N. Denver Ave. — Open 24/7
3. Tulsa Day Center, 415 W. Archer St. — Open 24/7 (Pets allowed, limited capacity)
4. The Station at Youth Services: 311 S. Madison Ave., open Monday-Friday, 11 a.m.–4 p.m. - Emergency Shelter open for 12-17-year-olds.
5. 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.

>>> Center Of Hope Expands Services During Freezing Temperatures

Temporary overflow shelters will also be open for the cold weather for the mid-February winter storm.

1. One Hope Tulsa- Rose Bowl (7419 E. 11 St.) – Operating as an overflow shelter for adults
2. Tulsa Dream Center (4122 W. 55 Pl.) – Serving as an overflow shelter for adults; this location is also pet-friendly
3. The Ministry Center: 312 S. 33rd W. Ave., check this page for availability

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

>>> Tulsa Clinic Offers Health Care Services At Warming Shelters

How to protect your pipes from freezing during frigid winter weather in Oklahoma:

Insulate Exposed Pipes

1. Install Pipe Insulation: Use foam pipe insulation to cover exposed pipes, especially those in unheated areas like attics, basements, and crawl spaces.
2. Cover Outdoor Spigots: Remove hoses and install insulated covers on outdoor faucets to prevent freezing.

Maintain Adequate Heating

1. Keep Thermostat Consistent: Maintain a steady indoor temperature, even when away, to prevent pipes from freezing.
2. Open Cabinet Doors: Allow warm air to circulate around pipes under sinks by keeping cabinet doors open.

Allow Faucets to Drip

1. Drip Both Hot and Cold Faucets: Letting faucets drip can prevent pressure buildup, reducing the chance of pipes freezing and bursting.
2. Increase to a Steady Stream in Extreme Cold: As temperatures drop further, increase the drip to a steady stream to ensure water keeps moving through the pipes.

What to Do If Pipes Freeze

1. Keep Faucets Open: Open faucets to allow water to flow as the frozen area begins to melt.
2. Apply Gentle Heat: Use a hair dryer or space heater to warm the frozen section of the pipe, avoiding open flames.
3. Monitor for Leaks: As pipes thaw, watch for leaks indicating a burst pipe and contact a professional plumber immediately if needed.

>>> Plumbers Talk Dos and Don'ts Of Addressing Frozen Pipes

>>> How To Prepare For Freezing Weather In Oklahoma This Winter

Bring Pets Inside!

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

1. Wellness Checks: Ensure pets are up to date on vaccines and discuss arthritis or other cold-weather health concerns with a veterinarian.
2. Outdoor Time: Monitor the duration of outdoor activities, especially for short-haired breeds or pets with conditions like diabetes or heart disease.
3. 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 Or The Flu 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.

>>> What You Can Do For Your Kids To Prevent The Flu Amid Rise In Cases

1. 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. 
2. 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

>>> Districts Are Cautiously Optimistic As Attendance Rate Begin To Rise

>>> 3 Things Doctors Want You To Know About The Flu In Oklahoma

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

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.

1. PSO Outage Map
2. OG&E Outage Map
3. VVEC Outage Map
4. Indian Electric Cooperative (IEC) Outage Map
5. Oklahoma Association of Electric Cooperatives Outage Map — (Note Several Smaller Co-ops Included)

The Alan Crone morning weather podcast link from Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/4J650fxWrGv3PiWetjIkKB

The Alan Crone morning weather podcast link from Apple:

https://podcasts.apple.com/in/podcast/oklahoma-news-from-kotv-news-on-6-in-tulsa-oklahoma/id1499556141

Follow the News On 6 Meteorologists on Facebook!

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4. Meteorologist Stephen Nehrenz
5. Meteorologist Aaron Reeves
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