Climate
The Oklahoma City metro gets lots of sunshine during the year, so there are plenty of days to get out and explore. When the wind comes sweeping down the plains, the city has a great warning system to help keep you safe. And while winter days can be harsh, Old Man Winter doesn’t stick around too long. SUNNY DAYS AHEAD Oklahoma City’s solid four seasons and its sunny days give residents plenty of opportunities to get outdoors and explore. Oklahoma City’s climate is enjoyably average with sunny and warm summers, bright and cold winters, and crisp autumns. The spring season is often wet, but filled with plenty of clear days to get out and watch Oklahoma’s landscape bloom. In addition to its temperate climate, Oklahoma City boasts clean air so you can breathe easy. Oklahoma’s location east of the Rocky Mountains and north of the Gulf of Mexico means that we are sometimes a hot spot for some interesting weather. Cold, dry air from the Rocky Mountains and Canada have the potential to combine with the warm, moist air from the Gulf of Mexico, sometimes resulting in thunderstorms or even more severe weather, including tornadoes. Like other states that have a potential for severe weather, Oklahoma is well-prepared for what Mother Nature might throw its way. The Greater Oklahoma City metro area has hundreds of outdoor warning sirens that inform residents when their area is under a tornado warning.
In Oklahoma City, these tornado sirens are tested every Saturday at noon unless there is severe weather in the area.
Oklahoma City is also home to the nation’s best meteorologists who help residents stay aware and informed when severe weather happens. Just 20 miles south of Oklahoma City in Norman is the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Weather Service and the Storm Prediction Center. Oklahoma City has access to the best and most advanced equipment to predict and detect potential severe weather. SEVERE WEATHER PREPAREDNESS Much like states along the East Coast and Gulf Coast are prepared for potential hurricanes, residents in Oklahoma City do their best to be prepared for severe weather and tornadoes. At home, have a family tornado plan in place by identifying where you will take shelter. Flying debris is often the greatest danger in tornadoes, so store protective head coverings in or next to your shelter space. Many homes in Greater Oklahoma City have tornado shelters or safe rooms. While not all builders include a shelter in the house, they often take the steps to make it very easy for one to be added by the homeowner. The region’s hard clay soil and water table mean that most newer homes do not have a
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