Oklahoma City is kicking off 2026 with a stretch of unseasonably warm and sunny weather, putting local residents in mind of spring rather than the depths of winter. According to the National Weather Service, temperatures on January 5 soared to a high near 73 degrees Fahrenheit, accompanied by brisk south-southwest winds reaching up to 26 mph. The city basked in mostly sunny skies, and the warmth was not just a pleasant surprise—it was historic.
As reported by KOKH, the official high at Will Rogers World Airport hit 76 degrees on Monday, breaking the previous record of 72 degrees set back in 2008. This new mark is not just a blip; it’s part of a broader pattern of record-challenging warmth that’s been gripping the region. "Being four degrees above normal is by a large margin, so it does just show you how warm it has been recently," Fox 25 noted, highlighting the extraordinary nature of this January heat.
But it’s not just a one-day event. The forecast for the first full week of January promises more of the same. Tuesday, January 6, is expected to bring continued sunny weather with highs near 69 degrees and gentler north winds. Evenings will offer mild relief, with lows dipping only to the mid-40s. By Wednesday, January 7, partly sunny skies return, and temperatures will once again flirt with the 70-degree mark, as south winds pick up to 11 mph and gusts reach 21 mph. Wednesday night brings a slight chance of showers, but the warmth holds, with overnight lows around 55 degrees.
Thursday, January 8, could see another record fall. The National Weather Service notes a higher chance of showers with some sunshine and highs near 68 degrees. Rain chances decrease Thursday night as temperatures slide to about 42 degrees. By Friday, January 9, a cooling trend will finally set in, with mostly sunny skies and highs near 54 degrees—a return to something closer to January’s historical averages. The weekend, too, will be clear and cool, with Saturday and Sunday highs in the mid-50s and overnight lows dipping to around 30 degrees.
These balmy conditions are not merely a local curiosity. According to Oklahoma Farm Report, December 2025 was itself a month of extremes, ranking as the second-driest and fifth-warmest December since records began in 1895. State Climatologist Gary McManus described December as a period of “historic heat and a near-total absence of rainfall.” The warmth peaked on Christmas Day, when the Mangum Mesonet site recorded an astonishing 89 degrees—the warmest Christmas Day in Oklahoma’s history. In the final two weeks of December, temperatures surged 20 to 30 degrees above average, with cities like Norman, Tulsa, and Stillwater hitting new monthly records in the mid-80s.
Precipitation has been just as anomalous. The statewide average rainfall for December was a mere 0.11 inches, a full two inches below normal and narrowly missing the record for the driest December ever, which was set in 1950. Northeastern and east-central Oklahoma did, in fact, set new records for their driest December ever. The impact of this dryness has been swift: drought coverage jumped from 33% of the state at the end of November to 54% by the end of December, according to data from the Oklahoma Mesonet.
Looking at the broader picture, 2025 was a year of weather volatility for Oklahoma. Despite the extremely dry December, the year as a whole was statistically both wet and warm, ranking as the 17th-warmest and 21st-wettest on record. Severe weather was also a theme, with a preliminary total of 105 tornadoes reported statewide.
So, what’s next for Oklahoma City and the wider region? The short-term forecast holds a few changes. Wednesday night into Thursday brings a chance for thunderstorms, though the risk of severe weather is low. KOCO Chief Meteorologist Damon Lane mentioned, “We will have to watch out for 1 or 2 storms moving in with the threat for hail up to the size of quarters across central Oklahoma.” Still, most of the week will be marked by mild, almost spring-like conditions, with only a modest cooldown arriving by Friday and into the weekend.
The long-term outlook, however, offers little relief for drought-stricken areas. As McManus explained, while some rain is expected later in the week, it will likely benefit only the eastern half of the state, leaving the west dry. The Climate Prediction Center’s forecast for January calls for above-normal temperatures to persist, and drought conditions are expected to continue in the areas already affected.
These patterns are not just numbers on a chart—they have real consequences for residents, farmers, and local officials. The rapid expansion of drought coverage, driven by both heat and lack of rainfall, is a concern for agriculture and water supplies. The Oklahoma Farm Report notes that the state’s “flash drought” has intensified quickly, putting pressure on crops and livestock just as the year begins. And while the warmth may feel pleasant for those heading back to school or work after the holidays, the underlying dry conditions pose challenges that could linger well into the spring.
For now, though, Oklahoma City residents can enjoy the sun and warmth, perhaps with a wary eye on the sky and the thermometer. The city’s weather, as reported by multiple local outlets, has started 2026 by breaking records and defying expectations. Whether this is a sign of things to come or just another chapter in Oklahoma’s famously unpredictable climate remains to be seen.
As the week unfolds, residents are advised to stay updated with the latest forecasts and to be mindful of changing conditions, especially with the possibility of storms and the ongoing drought. The balance between enjoying the sunshine and preparing for what’s next is, as always, part of life in Oklahoma.
