Winter Weather Advisories & Icy Road Conditions For Northeastern Oklahoma

The main issue continues to be the potential for very cold air across the state this week and occasional bouts of wintry precipitation, including this morning in the form of freezing drizzle or light rain that will cause major icing on roadways across part of northeastern OK and southern Kansas. The shallow arctic front is currently along the I-44 corridor and will remain mostly stationary for the morning but should slowly drift south later this afternoon and evening.

WARN Radar

Locations along and north of the boundary will be in a favorable position for icy roadways where temperatures will remain in the 20s for the morning commute. A winter weather (travel) advisory will remain through the day for these locations. Later tonight, this front is expected to surge slightly southward again and should bring most of the area under freezing Tuesday through the end of the week. Another chance for some freezing drizzle or mist will be possible tomorrow morning near and east of the metro but may not be over the same board area. Another wave is also possible Tuesday night into Wednesday morning that could also provide a wintry mix.  A second surge of arctic air is possible this Friday into the weekend bringing the coldest temps of the season to date. 

Traffic Map

The pattern will remain favorable for periodic waves of energy to pass across the southern plains, including Northeastern OK for the next few days with the shallow cold air remaining. This pattern can produce all forms of wintry weather, but our main concern for this morning and early Tuesday will be freezing drizzle or mist. As the air becomes slightly deeper by the end of the week, the column of air would support more in the way of a mix or even snow versus freezing precip but not all data agree on the exact magnitude of the depth and strength of the cold air. EURO is trending warmer by the end of the week while the GFS counterpoint remains in the deep freeze. We’re trending more toward the GFS in our forecast.

The summary: prepare for a very cold week with chances for light freezing precip potential. Freezing drizzle and light mix can be highly deceptive and quickly catch drivers off-guard. Numerous roadways are considered slick and hazardous this morning.  Please use caution and lower speeds this morning in the winter weather advisory location.

Thanks for reading the Monday morning weather discussion and blog.  

Have a safe day.

Alan Crone