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Clouds Gathering Over Oklahoma City: A Calm Prelude to a Wintry Weekend

AuthorEditorial Team
Published
January 22, 2026/06:00 AM
Section
Weather
Clouds Gathering Over Oklahoma City: A Calm Prelude to a Wintry Weekend
Source: Wikimedia Commons / Author: Kool Cats Photography over 2 Million Views

Calm Conditions Precede a Shifting Pattern

Residents of Oklahoma City are waking up to a relatively tranquil Thursday, January 22, 2026. While the morning air remains crisp, the current conditions serve as a brief reprieve as meteorological models track a significant winter system approaching the region. Today's weather will be characterized by steadily increasing cloud cover and seasonable temperatures, providing a final window for locals to prepare for the wintry conditions expected to arrive early Friday morning.

Morning and Midday: Crisp and Overcast

The early morning hours in the metro area saw temperatures hovering near the freezing mark, with a recorded low around 28 to 32 degrees Fahrenheit. As the sun rose, the sky initially featured a mix of sun and clouds, though the cover is expected to thicken considerably by midday. Winds remain light and manageable, primarily coming from the east at approximately 5 to 8 mph. This gentle breeze will do little to dampen the midday warmup, as the city climbs toward its predicted daytime high.

Afternoon: Peak Warmth and Building Clouds

By mid-afternoon, Oklahoma City is expected to reach a high of approximately 53 degrees Fahrenheit. Some local forecasts suggest temperatures could even nudge slightly higher into the mid-50s if the sun manages to peek through the strengthening cloud deck. This afternoon period represents the warmest portion of the day and the most comfortable time for outdoor errands before the upcoming cold front arrives. Humidity is expected to settle around 54% to 64%, maintaining a dry but increasingly overcast atmosphere throughout the city.

Evening and Overnight: Preparing for the Shift

As the sun sets this evening, the mercury will begin a steady decline. Evening temperatures are forecast to drop back into the 30s, eventually settling at an overnight low of 27 degrees Fahrenheit. The sky will remain mostly cloudy throughout the night. While no significant precipitation is expected before midnight, the National Weather Service has already placed Oklahoma City under a Winter Storm Warning effective at 6:00 AM Friday. Additionally, an Extreme Cold Watch has been issued for the upcoming weekend, signaling a drastic and potentially dangerous shift from today's relatively mild conditions.

Today’s Weather Highlights

  • High Temperature: 53°F to 57°F
  • Low Temperature: 27°F to 28°F
  • Morning: Increasing clouds with temperatures rising from the low 30s.
  • Afternoon: Mostly cloudy and mild; light east winds at 5-8 mph.
  • Evening: Temperatures dropping toward 27°F under overcast skies.
  • Alerts: Winter Storm Warning takes effect tomorrow morning; Extreme Cold Watch begins Saturday.