Oklahoma City woke up to a hard freeze Monday, with temperatures near 26°F under clear skies. A stiff north-northwest wind around 13 to 16 mph, with stronger gusts, made it feel much colder, driving wind chills into the single digits and teens across the metro. Early morning commuters should watch for slick spots on untreated bridges and side streets.
Afternoon Stays Sunny, Wind Stays Snappy
Sunshine sticks around through the day, with a high near 45°F, but it will not feel like a cozy spring afternoon. North-northwest winds of 13 to 17 mph, with gusts up to about 28 mph, will keep things blustery. Conditions stay dry today, although the pattern is about to change in a hurry. For the full official forecast and any local watches, check NWS Norman.
Fire Weather Watch Tuesday As Temperatures Spike
A Fire Weather Watch is in effect Tuesday for much of western and central Oklahoma as southerly return flow teams up with low afternoon humidity. That combo could produce elevated to near-critical fire conditions. The same pattern sends temperatures sharply higher by midweek, with highs jumping into the 70s and 80s before widespread 90s are possible by the weekend. With no meaningful rain expected through the next week, any outdoor burning or careless use of equipment could spark fast-moving fires.
How To Get Ready For The Whiplash
Protect tender plants from tonight’s freeze and hold off on any planned burns Tuesday. Secure loose yard debris and gas grills, and keep a water source close if you have brush piles. If you work outside, schedule the heaviest tasks for cooler morning hours and keep an eye on shifting winds. We flagged this quick warm-up in an earlier forecast, so check our March 9 warm-up preview for more background and planning tips.
