‘Rollercoaster’ weather continues

As we head into the final days of 2025, LeFlore County is experiencing a meteorological “rollercoaster” that will see residents swapping t-shirts for heavy parkas in a matter of hours. This week’s forecast for Heavener, Poteau, and the surrounding areas is defined by two extremes: record-shattering holiday warmth and a brutal Arctic “body slam” to ring in the New Year.

The Holiday Heatwave (Dec 27 – Dec 28)

The final weekend of December is starting on an unseasonably warm note. A powerful high-pressure system over the Southern Plains has opened the gates for warm, moist air from the Gulf of Mexico to flood into Eastern Oklahoma.

• Saturday, December 27: Today is exceptionally mild. Expect plenty of sunshine with a high of 79°F. These temperatures are nearly 25 degrees above the historical average for late December. South winds will be steady at 10 mph, making it a perfect day for outdoor activities or visiting the Winding Stair Mountain National Recreation Area.
• Sunday morning, December 28: The warmth lingers into Sunday morning with an expected high of 72°F. However, this will be the “calm before the storm.”

The “New Year’s Shift”: Sunday Night Plunge

The primary weather story this week is the arrival of a powerful cold front on Sunday evening. This is a classic “Blue Norther” that will bring a drastic end to our December spring.

By Sunday night, the wind will shift sharply to the northwest, gusting up to 18-20 mph. In just 12 hours, the mercury will plummet nearly 43 degrees, dropping from the low 70s to an overnight low of 29°F. While there is a 25% chance of light rain on Sunday afternoon, the rapidly falling temperatures mean that any lingering moisture could briefly transition into light snow flurries or a “winter mix” late Sunday night.

Entering the Deep Freeze (Dec 29 – Dec 30)

The start of the final week of 2025 will feel like a different season entirely.

• Monday, December 29: Expect a “hard freeze” to start the day. Monday will be cloudy and frigid, with a high struggling to reach 36°F. Northwest winds will remain breezy, making it feel significantly colder.
• Tuesday, December 30: Skies will clear, but the cold will deepen. Tuesday morning will see the coldest temperatures of the week, with an overnight low of 23°F. The afternoon will remain chilly with a high of 43°F.

7-Day Forecast at a Glance

New Year’s Eve & New Year’s Day Outlook

Fortunately for those with New Year’s Eve plans, the Arctic air begins to retreat just in time for the countdown.

• New Year’s Eve (Wednesday): Temperatures will rebound nicely under sunny skies, reaching a high of 59°F. For those heading out to midnight celebrations in Poteau, the temperature will be around 40°F at the stroke of midnight—chilly, but much more manageable than the previous nights.
• New Year’s Day (Thursday): 2026 begins on a mild, albeit cloudy, note. Expect a high of 62°F with a 20% chance of light rain developing in the evening.

Safety & Preparation Tips

1. Protect the 4 P’s: By Sunday afternoon, ensure your People, Pets, Pipes, and Plants are prepared for the hard freeze. Cover outdoor faucets and bring sensitive plants inside.
2. Fire Safety: The warm, dry winds on Saturday increase the risk of grass fires. Avoid any outdoor burning until the cold front brings more moisture on Sunday.
3. Livestock: Ranchers should ensure that livestock in northern LeFlore County have access to windbreaks and plenty of water, as the sudden 40-degree drop can be stressful for animals.

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