As Oklahoma prepares for a Thanksgiving break, State Climatologist Gary McManus delivered a crucial weather update, confirming the exit of recent rain and warning residents to brace for a dramatic shift in temperatures by the end of November 2025.
Rain Ends, But Drought Lingers
McManus confirmed that the scattered rain that has been falling “off and on since mid-week last week” is set to exit the state later today. While the moisture was appreciated across the state, it was far from uniform.
“In some places, way too much! And in some places, way too little,” McManus quipped.
The recent precipitation was insufficient to break the long-term deficits in some of the hardest-hit areas, with the climatologist noting it “barely dented those deficits in parts of SW OK.” Nonetheless, he conceded, “at least everybody got something.”
Seasonable Holiday Weather
The immediate forecast for Thanksgiving week is relatively pleasant—at least compared to what’s coming. Temperatures are expected to moderate, providing a comfortable, if slightly crisp, holiday atmosphere.
“We’ll see temperatures moderate a bit through the week in time to give us a fairly seasonable—if not chilly—Thanksgiving Day and into the weekend,” McManus advised.
He also offered a crucial holiday cooking safety reminder: “[Y]eah, and that TURKEY you cooked might be a bit off, too…never thaw it out of the refrigerator!“
The Bottom Drops Out: Arctic Air on the Siberian Express
The brief period of moderate temperatures is set to end abruptly. McManus issued a stark warning for the turn of the month, indicating a massive cold blast is inevitable.
“But sometime around November 30, in this year of our Lord 2025, the bottom is going to finally drop out with a large Arctic air mass headed south on the Siberian Express.”
The “Siberian Express” is a meteorological term used to describe the surge of an extremely cold, dry air mass originating from Siberia that plunges deep into North America, often bringing sudden and severe cold waves.
The National Weather Service (NWS) offices in Norman and Amarillo have also signaled caution regarding the approaching system. While there is “still lots of uncertainty with timing,” residents should prepare for the possibility of wintry conditions.
“…best be on the lookout for some freezing precip to be possible late this weekend into early next week.“
While this warning means winter is arriving ahead of schedule, McManus ended on a note of characteristic, chilly humor for those who dread the cold: “Hey, if you hate winter, don’t fret…spring is only 2-5 months away!“
To read more from Gary McManus on his mesonet ticker, click here:
