January Brings Tornadoes, Snow and Arctic Cold

January 2026 delivered a little bit of everything Oklahoma weather is known for — a rare January tornado outbreak, a major winter storm accompanied by arctic cold, and continued drought across much of the state.

The month featured both destructive severe weather and prolonged freezing conditions, including one of the most impactful snow and ice events in recent memory.

By month’s end, more than two-thirds of Oklahoma were in drought, even as snow cover lingered across the northern half of the state. It was a month defined by sharp contrasts and high-impact weather from start to finish.