Warm Pacific Air to Bring Significant Temperature Increases Across Arkansas, Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and the Lower 48 Between December 16–22

Waldron, Arkansas — A major warmup is expected across Arkansas, Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and much of the central and eastern United States between December 16 and December 22, as a surge of mild Pacific air pushes eastward and temporarily ends the pattern of colder-than-normal conditions seen earlier this month. Widespread temperature anomalies show values running well above average across large parts of the country, signaling a noticeable shift from the recent winterlike pattern.

A Broad Warmup Expands Across the Region

During this period, much of the Lower 48 is forecast to see temperatures 10–25 degrees above normal, with the strongest anomalies stretching from the southern Plains into the Mississippi Valley and portions of the Southeast.

States such as Arkansas, Texas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana are situated directly within the core of this warm spell, with daytime highs expected to climb significantly compared to recent weeks.

Warmer air spreading inland from the Pacific is helping to build a broad zone of mild conditions across the country. This shift follows the typical mid-December thaw that often develops after prolonged cold outbreaks.

Arkansas: Noticeably Milder Days Ahead

Arkansas will experience one of the easier transitions back into mild weather:

• Afternoon temperatures may run 15–20 degrees above mid-December averages.
• Overnight lows will also trend warmer, reducing frost chances for several days.
• Residents should expect a stretch of comfortable, dry, and much less winterlike weather.

The warmup should provide a break from the earlier cold snap, though conditions may turn unsettled again near the end of the month.

Texas: Widespread Warmth From North to South

Much of Texas will fall into unusually warm territory for this time of year:

• Central and eastern Texas could experience well-above-average highs, pushing into the 70s in some locations.
• West Texas will see milder afternoons and warmer nights, especially compared to the earlier colder pattern.
• Coastal Texas may feel humid, springlike conditions at times.

This warm period is expected to last through most of the December 16–22 window.

Oklahoma: Temperatures Jump Well Above Average

Oklahoma will also observe a significant rebound from recent cold outbreaks:

• Daytime highs could run 15–25 degrees above normal in parts of the state.
• The northern jet stream remains active, but the warmer air mass should dominate for several days.
• Short-lived clippers may brush northern Oklahoma but are not expected to bring major cold.

After December 22, temperatures may begin to trend closer to seasonal averages again.

Louisiana: A Stretch of Mild, Comfortable Weather

Louisiana enters one of the warmest phases of the region:

• Highs may feel more like late fall than mid-December.
• Humidity levels may increase temporarily as warm air expands northward.
• Travel and outdoor conditions look favorable across much of the state.

This period offers one of the longest uninterrupted warm stretches so far this December.

A Temporary Pattern Before Colder Air May Return

While the upcoming warm spell is significant, it is not expected to last long-term. Much of the Lower 48 may shift back toward colder conditions after December 22 or during the final week of the month.

Warmups of this kind are common following extended cold outbreaks, especially during December. However, colder air still has opportunities to return later in the month or in early January.

What Do You Think About This Sudden Warmup?

Are you welcoming the warmer temperatures, or were you hoping winter would hold on a bit longer? Share your thoughts with us and stay connected for continuing updates here at WaldronNews.com.