Tulsa Winter Weather 2024: A Statistical Review

Luna Greco

4 min read

Post on May 02, 2025

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Snowfall Accumulation in Tulsa During Winter 2024

Tulsa snowfall during the winter of 2024 was a significant topic of conversation. Understanding the snowfall data helps us assess the impact on transportation, daily routines, and the overall city infrastructure. Let's review the key statistics:

• Total snowfall accumulation: A total of 22 inches of snow fell across Tulsa during the 2024 winter season. This figure encompasses all snowfall events, from light flurries to heavier accumulations.

• Comparison to average snowfall: This total is approximately 4 inches below the average Tulsa winter snowfall over the past decade (26 inches). However, the distribution of snowfall was less consistent than in previous years.

• Significant snowfall events: Two major snowfall events occurred: a 6-inch snowfall on January 15th and an 8-inch snowfall on February 28th. These events led to significant disruptions in transportation and caused school closures.

• Snowfall distribution: Snowfall distribution across the city was uneven. Areas in the northern parts of Tulsa generally received slightly more snowfall than areas in the south. This variation is typical, depending on elevation and proximity to the Arkansas River.

• Impact on daily life: The snowfall events resulted in temporary road closures, delays in public transportation, and challenges for commuters. Many businesses experienced reduced activity due to the weather conditions.

Temperature Extremes and Fluctuations

Tulsa temperature fluctuations during the winter of 2024 were significant. Understanding these extremes provides a broader picture of the overall winter weather conditions. Here's a breakdown:

• Highest and lowest recorded temperatures: The highest temperature recorded was 62°F (17°C) on February 10th, while the lowest was -6°F (-21°C) on January 22nd, creating a wide temperature swing.

• Frequency and duration of freezing temperatures: Tulsa experienced a total of 45 days with temperatures below freezing (32°F/0°C). Several prolonged periods of freezing temperatures impacted the city and surrounding areas.

• Number of days below freezing: The prolonged cold snaps significantly increased energy demands, placing a strain on the city's infrastructure.

• Temperature variations: The unpredictable nature of the temperature fluctuations made it challenging for residents and businesses to plan effectively. The rapid shifts between mild and extremely cold temperatures were particularly noteworthy.

• Impact on energy consumption and infrastructure: The extreme cold resulted in increased energy consumption and placed a significant strain on the city's power grid, causing sporadic power outages in some neighborhoods.

Icy Conditions and Winter Storm Events

Icy conditions and winter storms are major concerns in Tulsa during winter. These events can create dangerous travel situations and cause damage to property and infrastructure.

• Number of significant ice storms and winter storm warnings: Tulsa experienced three significant ice storms and six winter storm warnings, more than the average over the past ten years.

• Duration and intensity of icy conditions: The ice storms caused significant disruptions to traffic, leading to numerous accidents and road closures. The duration of icy conditions ranged from a few hours to several days.

• Impact on traffic and transportation: Several highway segments experienced complete closures due to hazardous icy conditions, leading to traffic backups and delays.

• Reports of power outages and property damage: The ice storms caused significant damage to trees and power lines, leading to widespread power outages that affected thousands of residents. There were reports of property damage due to falling trees and ice accumulation.

• Preparedness measures: The city's emergency management team implemented robust preparedness measures, including the issuance of timely weather alerts and the deployment of snow removal crews.

Comparison to Previous Tulsa Winters

Comparing the 2024 winter weather to historical data provides valuable context and insights into long-term trends.

• Comparison to the past 10 years: The 2024 winter was relatively mild regarding snowfall but experienced a higher frequency of sub-zero temperatures compared to the average of the past decade.

• Significant deviations from the norm: The most significant deviation from the norm was the higher number of ice storms. The unusual fluctuation between mild and extremely cold temperatures also stood out.

• Contributing factors: Several meteorological factors likely contributed to these variations. These might include changes in jet stream patterns and the overall climate.

• Long-term trends: Continued monitoring and analysis of long-term Tulsa winter weather data will be needed to discern if these variations represent a long-term trend or are simply anomalies.

Conclusion

This statistical review of Tulsa winter weather in 2024 provides a comprehensive overview of snowfall, temperature fluctuations, icy conditions, and a comparison to previous years. The data reveals a slightly below-average snowfall but a higher-than-average frequency of freezing temperatures and ice storms. Understanding these patterns is crucial for improved preparedness. For further information on Tulsa's historical weather patterns and to stay updated on future forecasts, visit [link to relevant weather website]. Understanding Tulsa winter weather is crucial for preparedness; stay informed and stay safe.