Oklahoma has been hit with heat wave after heat wave, and if you’re tired of the soaring temperatures, the almanacs are pointing to a break in the winter.
Part of the reason for the ongoing hot and intense weather is the El Niño system that has plagued most of the continental U.S. Now that system is expected to switch from the hot and dry heat of the summer to a wet and stormy pattern.
Here’s what to know about the upcoming winter forecast across Oklahoma.
Almanacs call for a stormy winter
The Farmers’ Almanac said this winter the U.S. should see “snow, sleet and surprises.”
Looking at the south-central region, the almanac predicted the El Niño system will remain an important influence all season long, bringing wetter-than-normal conditions across the region.
From Southern California through to Texas and the Gulf Coast, residents in the continental South should look out for frequent storm systems, muddy fields and occasional surges of cold air.
More: When will the heat end? Not anytime soon, forecasters warn
The abundance of moisture could mix with the colder air and produce numerous sleet, freezing rain or heavy, wet snow storms across the region.
Oklahoma is predicted to be a part of the area getting the most precipitation in the nation, alongside the Gulf Coast and southwestern states. Yet, the almanac isn’t able to predict what type of precipitation, as temperatures are expected to bounce on both sides of the freezing line.
The Old Farmer’s Almanac predicts El Niño to only strengthen throughout the winter, along with an active sun which will join together with enough power to reshape the seasons.
Geno Leone sleds down a hill on the UCO campus near Second Street as the snow starts falling in Edmond Friday, Jan. 23, 2026.
Meanwhile, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts November, December and January to be wetter than before, with roughly a 41-50% chance for precipitation in Oklahoma.
Could there be winter tornadoes?
Tornadoes during December and January are typically rare in Oklahoma.
In previous years there were only 20 tornadoes since 2020 during December and January. Tornadoes usually occur when the warmer and cooler air mixes. In Oklahoma, this is especially common during spring.
Tornadoes are more common in November than December and January. Fifty tornadoes have occurred in November since 2020, fueled by the transition in temperatures, as cooler and warmer winds are more prevalent throughout Oklahoma.
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Winter almanac calls for stormy, wet Oklahoma this year
