Climate
OKC gets lots of sunshine during the year, so there are plenty of days to get out and explore. Whether you’re visiting a local park, hitting the trails or just enjoying your own backyard, there’s no shortage of bright, beautiful days in the metro. When the wind comes sweeping down the plains, OKC is prepared. The city’s advanced severe weather alert system and community safety resources help residents stay informed and protected during storms. Local news outlets and emergency services work together to keep the public updated, especially during Oklahoma’s active spring season. Winters in OKC are relatively short, and while cold snaps do happen, Old Man Winter doesn’t usually overstay his welcome. Snowfall is light compared to other parts of the country, and freezing temps are often followed by sunny skies and mild rebounds. Spring brings blooming redbuds and festivals. Summers are hot, but thanks to the sunshine and a love for outdoor living, locals find plenty of ways to stay cool, from splash pads to lake days. Whether you prefer crisp fall air or warm summer nights, OKC's weather offers a little something for everyone. SUNNY DAYS AHEAD OKC enjoys all four seasons, and plenty of sunshine gives residents ample opportunities to get outdoors and explore. Summers are warm and bright, winters can be cold but don’t linger, autumns bring crisp air and changing leaves, and spring is often wet yet filled with many clear days to watch OKC’s landscape bloom. Along with its agreeable climate, OKC also boasts clean air, so you can breathe easily.
Because Oklahoma lies east of the Rocky Mountains and north of the Gulf of Mexico, we sometimes get the recipe for dramatic weather. Cold, dry air from the Rockies or Canada can mix with warm, humid air from the Gulf, resulting in thunderstorms and occasionally severe weather like tornadoes. But like other states that face such risks, OKC is well prepared. The metro area has 182 outdoor warning sirens that alert residents when their sector is under a tornado warning. Sirens are tested most Saturdays at noon unless severe weather is already in progress. When a siren sounds, head indoors and seek further updates. OKC is also home to top meteorologists and advanced forecasting tools. Just 20 miles south in Norman sits the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Weather Service and the Storm Prediction Center. These organizations monitor and issue watches, warnings and forecasts for OKC and the region.
SEVERE WEATHER PREPAREDNESS
Much like states along the Gulf and East coasts prepare for hurricanes, OKC residents prepare for severe weather and tornadoes. At home, create a family tornado plan and pick a safe shelter spot. Flying debris poses the greatest danger in tornadoes, so store protective head coverings (helmets, hard hats, thick blankets) in or near your shelter space. Many homes in the OKC metro have tornado shelters or safe rooms.
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