State Climatologist Gary McManus reported a turbulent start to the weather year on Thursday, as severe storms bringing tornadoes, rain, and flooding swept across the state on January 8.
Early Severe Weather McManus confirmed the presence of tornadoes and severe weather hazards early in the month, noting that tornado sirens were active in parts of the state as early as January 8. As the system progressed, the threat of severe weather continued to shift eastward with fast-moving storms posing risks of flooding and additional hazardous conditions.
Drought Conditions Worsen Despite the rainfall accompanying these storms, the state has seen a significant expansion in drought conditions over the past week. According to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor report highlighted by McManus, drought coverage across Oklahoma has surged from 54% to 73%. The precipitation from this system is a welcome development, though it comes amidst this sharp increase in dryness.
Wintry Potential Looking beyond the immediate severe weather and flooding threats, McManus indicated a potential shift in precipitation types, suggesting that snow could be on the horizon as the weather patterns continue to evolve in January.
December 2025 Analysis: Historic Dryness and Heat The current conditions follow a historic December. McManus confirmed that December 2025 was the second-driest and fifth-warmest December on record for Oklahoma, dating back to 1895.
- Precipitation: The statewide average rainfall was just 0.11 inches, which is 2 inches below normal.
- Temperature: The month ended with a statewide average of 45 degrees, 4.9 degrees above normal.
The month included the warmest Christmas Day in Oklahoma history, with Mangum recording 89 degrees. This persistent lack of moisture allowed drought to expand significantly.
“Drought expanded across Oklahoma for the third consecutive month, jumping from 33% of the state at the end of November to 54% by the end of December,” McManus stated.
January Outlook Looking ahead, the Climate Prediction Center’s January outlook offers equal chances for above, below, or near-normal precipitation, but odds favor above-normal temperatures for most of the state. McManus notes that the drought outlook calls for these dry conditions to persist in areas where they currently exist.
