Oklahoma City on Alert: Bitter Cold and Snow to Create Hazardous Travel—Get Ready

Bundle up, OKC! A frigid week is ahead, complete with bitter cold and a chance of snow that could snarl traffic and disrupt plans. The city is bracing for freezing temperatures and an afternoon snowstorm on Thursday that could turn roads into ice rinks. Here’s what you need to know to stay ahead of the weather.

What’s Happening Now

• Current Temperature: 15°F (-10°C)
• Sky Conditions: Clear and icy

The skies may be clear, but don’t let that fool you—it’s freezing out there, and the cold is sticking around all week.

This Week’s Forecast

• Tuesday, January 7: A frosty day with highs near 33°F (1°C). Clouds will roll in later, with lows dipping to 17°F (-8°C).
• Wednesday, January 8: The sun is back, but it won’t warm things up much. Highs will hover around 37°F (3°C), with nighttime lows near 26°F (-3°C).
• Thursday, January 9: The main event. Snow will arrive in the afternoon, with 1-2 inches expected (3-6 cm). Highs will reach 34°F (1°C), but slick roads will make travel dangerous by evening. Overnight lows will settle around 27°F (-3°C).
• Friday, January 10: Cloudy and cold, with icy roads lingering in the morning. Things will gradually improve by afternoon. Highs near 35°F (2°C), with lows around 22°F (-5°C).
• Saturday, January 11: A calmer day with a mix of sun and clouds. Highs near 41°F (5°C) and lows around 23°F (-5°C).

What to Watch For

Snow Alert: Thursday afternoon’s snowstorm is expected to create slippery, hazardous road conditions, particularly during the evening commute.

Bitter Cold: Overnight lows below freezing all week mean frostbite risks and potential problems like frozen pipes.

How to Stay Ahead of the Storm

1. Stay Off the Roads During Snow: If you must drive, go slow, leave extra room, and watch for icy patches.
2. Dress Smart: Wear layers, gloves, and hats, and keep your skin covered to stay warm and protected from the cold.
3. Winter-Proof Your Home: Drip faucets to prevent frozen pipes, and check your heating system to make sure it’s running efficiently.
4. Prepare for the Worst: Stock up on essentials like food, water, and flashlights in case the snowstorm causes delays or outages.

Why It Matters

Winter weather doesn’t mess around, and neither should you. Even a couple of inches of snow combined with freezing temperatures can lead to icy roads and dangerous conditions. With a little planning, you can avoid unnecessary risks and stay safe.

Get ready, Oklahoma City—the cold is here to stay for a while. Keep warm, stay safe, and let’s handle this winter blast like pros!