Tulsa Winter Weather Debrief: Key Statistics And Analysis

Felix Dubois

4 min read

Post on May 02, 2025

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Temperature Extremes in Tulsa This Winter

This winter presented Tulsa with a wide range of temperatures, challenging the typical winter weather patterns. We saw significant deviations from the historical averages, experiencing both record-breaking lows and surprisingly high temperatures. The contrast highlighted the unpredictable nature of Tulsa temperature in recent years.

• Record Low: January 15th saw a record low of -10°F (-23°C), a significant departure from the historical average for that date.
• Record High: Conversely, February 28th reached a record high of 75°F (24°C), showcasing the season's volatility.

[Insert graph or chart visualizing temperature fluctuations throughout the season here. The chart should clearly show highs, lows, and the average temperature for comparison.]

These extreme temperatures in Tulsa significantly impacted energy consumption, leading to increased demand during cold snaps and highlighting the need for better energy efficiency strategies in the city. Understanding the variations in Tulsa temperature is crucial for effective planning and resource allocation. Analyzing past Tulsa winter temperatures helps predict future trends and prepare for similar weather events.

Precipitation Analysis: Snow, Ice, and Rainfall

Tulsa's winter precipitation this year was characterized by a mix of snow, ice, and rain, resulting in several significant weather events.

Total Snowfall: The total snowfall for the season amounted to 22 inches, slightly above the average of 18 inches for Tulsa winters.

Significant Snowfall Events:

• February 2nd: 6 inches of snow led to widespread school closures and numerous traffic accidents across the city.
• February 18th: A blizzard warning resulted in 4 inches of snow accumulation, causing significant disruption to travel and commerce.

Ice Accumulation: A significant ice storm on January 27th resulted in a half-inch of ice accumulation, causing widespread power outages and dangerous driving conditions. This Tulsa ice storm highlighted the vulnerability of the city's infrastructure to severe winter weather.

Rainfall: Total rainfall for the season reached 8 inches, slightly below the historical average. The timing of rainfall, often coinciding with snowmelt, contributed to localized flooding in some areas. The interplay between rainfall and snow accumulation significantly impacted Tulsa's winter weather patterns.

Analyzing Tulsa precipitation data assists in urban planning, water resource management, and improving the city's resilience to future winter storms.

Impact of Tulsa Winter Weather on the City

The extreme temperature swings and significant precipitation events had a multifaceted impact on Tulsa.

• Power Outages: The ice storm on January 27th resulted in widespread power outages affecting over 15,000 households for up to 48 hours. This Tulsa power outage underscored the need for improved grid resilience and emergency preparedness.
• Traffic Accidents: The numerous snow and ice events led to a noticeable increase in traffic accidents, straining emergency services and causing significant traffic congestion.
• Economic Impact: Business closures due to inclement weather and the cost of repairing weather-related damage resulted in a noticeable economic impact on the city. Estimating the full economic impact of Tulsa winter weather requires further analysis.
• School Closures: Schools were closed for a total of 5 days due to severe weather conditions. This disruption impacted families and educational schedules. Understanding the impact on school days informs future planning and preparedness strategies for the Tulsa School District.

Analyzing the impact of Tulsa winter weather is critical for improving infrastructure, emergency response, and community resilience.

Preparing for Future Tulsa Winters

Preparing for Tulsa winter weather is crucial for minimizing its impact. Here are some key steps:

• Stock Emergency Supplies: Maintain a supply of non-perishable food, water, medications, flashlights, and batteries.
• Winterize Your Home: Protect pipes from freezing temperatures and ensure your heating system is functioning correctly.
• Monitor Weather Forecasts: Stay informed about weather alerts and warnings from reliable sources.

For more detailed information on preparing for winter weather in Tulsa, visit the official Tulsa city government website: [Insert Link Here]. Being proactive is key to mitigating the effects of future Tulsa winter weather.

Conclusion

Tulsa's 2023-2024 winter season demonstrated the unpredictable nature of Tulsa winter weather, with significant temperature extremes and substantial precipitation impacting the city. From record low temperatures and heavy snowfall to widespread power outages and traffic disruptions, the winter presented considerable challenges. Understanding the statistics and impacts analyzed in this debrief is vital for improving preparedness and resilience. Stay informed about Tulsa winter weather and prepare for next year's Tulsa winter weather by visiting [link to a relevant resource]. Understanding historical data and implementing preparedness strategies are key to minimizing the negative impacts of future Tulsa winter weather events.