Oklahoma Forecast Shows Significant Warm-Up After Arctic Blast, With Brief Midwest and Northeast Cooldown Expected
OKLAHOMA — Newly released weather data from December 12 indicates that Oklahoma will shift into a much warmer pattern after this weekend’s major Arctic blast, with temperatures running well above average from December 18 through December 22, 2025.
Forecast maps from the ECMWF ensemble and NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center show a strong warming trend centered over the Southern Plains, placing Oklahoma directly in the core of the upcoming warm surge.
Oklahoma Set for 10°F–25°F Above-Normal Temperatures
ECMWF anomaly maps show deep red shading across Oklahoma, signaling a widespread warm-up that could push temperatures 10°F to more than 20°F above normal at times next week.
This warmer pattern includes areas such as:
- Oklahoma City
- Tulsa
- Lawton
- Enid
- Ardmore
- The Oklahoma Panhandle
NOAA’s 6–10 Day Temperature Outlook strengthens this forecast, placing almost the entire state under a 70% to 90% probability of above-average temperatures during the December 18–22 timeframe.
Residents should expect:
- Mild afternoons unusual for December
- Little to no risk of winter weather hazards
- A fast recovery from the early-December cold outbreak
A Brief Cold Shot Returns — But Not for Oklahoma
Forecasters do highlight a short-lived push of colder Arctic air expected around December 19–20, but models show this cold air staying well to the north and east of Oklahoma.
The temporary cool-down should mainly affect:
- The Upper Midwest
- The Great Lakes region
- Parts of the Northeast
In contrast, Oklahoma remains under a strong warm ridge, meaning the state will not feel this brief cold pulse, and temperatures will remain above normal through the period.
Warm Pattern Likely Through Christmas
Based on current model trends:
- Oklahoma is expected to stay warmer than normal through Christmas.
- The Southern Plains appear locked into a stable warm pattern.
- Confidence in a major cold return before December 25 remains low.
However, long-range projections indicate a possible shift back to colder-than-normal conditions after Christmas and before New Year’s, though details remain uncertain.
Impact on Holiday Travel and Daily Life in Oklahoma
With a milder pattern dominating:
- Holiday travel across Oklahoma and surrounding states should benefit from quieter, warmer weather.
- Reduced heating demand may help households recovering from earlier high energy use.
- Outdoor shopping, events, and community gatherings should see comfortable temperatures for mid-December.
Residents traveling to the Midwest or Northeast around December 19–20 should stay aware of the short-lived cold snap expected in those regions.
WaldronNews.com will continue monitoring updated model trends as Oklahoma moves closer to Christmas.