Oklahoma May Save On Energy Bills This Winter

This summer Oklahomans had multiple high electric bills to keep their homes cool from the extreme heat. But it looks like this winter will allow Oklahomans' wallets to take a breather when it comes to the cost of energy bills.

Meteorological winter will start on Dec. 1 and will last through Feb. 28, 2025. And meteorologists are expecting winter in Oklahoma this year to be warmer and drier than average. According to AccuWeather's 2024-2025 winter forecast, the beginning of December will feel like an extension of autumn in Oklahoma. The above average warmth during the coldest time of year is expected to continue through the winter season.

Three key factors will create a warm winter in Oklahoma. A La Nina will keep the storm track in northern parts of the country. The water temperature in the Gulf of Mexico will remain above average. And Oklahoma will occasionally receive mild Pacific air. All of this will limit the potential for cool air in Oklahoma and other southern states.

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Winter temperatures may be three degrees above average this year.

The average high temperature in Oklahoma during the winter months is within the low 50s. But according to AccuWeather's winter predictions, Oklahoma could see daytime highs three degrees warmer than average temperatures during the winter months. This means some areas of Oklahoma could see temperatures into the 60s during the winter.

Although a warming trend during the winter isn't ideal climate-wise, Oklahomans will be happy to save on the heating bill during these months.

Subfreezing weather is still possible for Oklahoma.

Even though winter is expected to be mild this winter, Oklahoma could still see a few surges of subfreezing air. This is most likely to happen in February 2025. The Farmers' Almanac is also expecting a mild and dry winter for Oklahoma this year. But the almanac is also predicting a possible snow storm for the southwest region at the beginning of February next year.

These areas could see a possible snow storm to kick off February 2025. And it's possible that these areas could receive up to six inches of snow.

Drought and storms could intensify in Oklahoma this winter.

Various areas of Oklahoma are experiencing some type of drought, and it looks like the drought may continue into the winter. Oklahoma is already lacking rainfall during the fall season and now a dry winter is expected. A prolonged dry spell could intensify the drought in Oklahoma, and will make for a rough harvest season next year.

An expected dry winter can't rule out storms completely. According to AccuWeather, if storms do pop up in Oklahoma this winter, there is a high possibility that they will turn severe. The mild conditions and the warm, humid air are the perfect combination for severe thunderstorms.

And it is not uncommon for Oklahoma to see tornadoes as early as January. According to data from the National Weather Service in Norman, Oklahoma has seen a total of 30 tornadoes during the month of January from 1950 to present. These include seven unrated tornadoes, 14 weak tornadoes, eight strong tornadoes and one violent EF4 tornado, which struck Sequoyah county in 1957.