Oklahoma Weather

Oklahoma climate

Oklahoma has a varied climate that transitions from humid subtropical in the east to semi-arid in the western Panhandle. The state is located at the intersection of several major air mass boundaries, making it one of the most weather-active places on Earth. Oklahoma City experiences average annual temperatures ranging from the low 20s in January to the mid-90s in July, with precipitation decreasing from about 56 inches in the southeast to 17 inches in the far west.

Oklahoma is the epicenter of Tornado Alley, experiencing some of the most violent tornadoes ever recorded. The Moore-Oklahoma City area has been struck by multiple EF4 and EF5 tornadoes, including the devastating May 1999 and May 2013 events. The state is home to the National Severe Storms Laboratory and the Storm Prediction Center in Norman, making it a global hub for severe weather research and forecasting.

Ice storms are a major winter hazard in Oklahoma, occurring when warm moist air overrides subfreezing surface temperatures. The December 2007 ice storm was one of the worst in state history, causing widespread destruction and extended power outages. Summers are hot and dry in the west, with temperatures exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit for extended periods, while the eastern part of the state is more humid. Drought is a recurring concern that has historically driven significant economic hardship, most famously during the Dust Bowl of the 1930s.