First Oklahoma Freeze Brings Icy Mornings
Yes, it finally froze in Oklahoma. The first freeze of the season arrived early Wednesday morning, and a second round followed Thursday morning. For many across the state, it marked the start of true fall weather after weeks of mild temperatures.
In the far western reaches of the Panhandle, thermometers dropped to a bitter 24 degrees on Thursday morning. That cold snap caught residents by surprise, forcing some to scrape ice from windshields for the first time this season.
The real challenge, however, came from the strong winds that swept across the plains. Those gusts made temperatures feel even colder, driving wind chills well below freezing. Despite the cold start, forecasters say this wintry spell will be short-lived.
Oklahoma Mesonet Forecasts a Warm-Up Ahead
According to the Oklahoma Mesonet, warmer weather is already in the forecast. Temperatures are expected to rebound heading into the weekend, offering a brief reprieve before the next front moves through the state.
The Mesonet continues to monitor rapid temperature shifts that can impact both agriculture and energy consumption across rural Oklahoma. Farmers and ranchers who rely on early frost data use these readings to guide crop and livestock management decisions
October 29 in Oklahoma Mesonet History
Each year, the Mesonet tracks historical climate milestones. For October 29, these stand out:
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Record Maximum: 94°F at BUFF in 2016
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Record Minimum: 13°F at BEAV in 2019
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Record Rainfall: 2.84 inches at PAWN in 2009
(Mesonet History data since 1994)
Those records illustrate how variable Oklahoma’s climate can be, shifting from triple-digit heat to deep freezes within the same season.
Recent Rains Ease Drought in Northern Oklahoma
Oklahoma Climatologist Gary McManus reported Thursday that recent rainfall helped ease dry conditions in much of the state.
“The newest Drought Monitor shows some pretty good improvement across the northern half of the state (or so)… not so much across the southern half,” McManus explained. “We even saw a new area develop down there in Stephens and Jefferson counties.”
That mix of cold weather and recent rain is helping the northern half of Oklahoma rebound from drought, though the southern counties continue to struggle with dryness.
As the first freeze gives way to warmer air, Oklahoma’s fall weather remains as unpredictable as ever.
