If you’re staring at the sky in Oklahoma City or Tulsa and wondering if that wall of clouds is about to drop a funnel, you aren't alone. Oklahomans are basically conditioned to look up the second the wind shifts. But let’s cut to the chase: as of Monday evening, January 12, 2026, there is no active tornado on the ground in Oklahoma. The sirens aren't blaring. The radars at NWS Norman and NWS Tulsa are looking pretty quiet for the moment. Honestly, it’s a relief after the chaos we saw just a few days ago.
We just came off a bizarre, record-threatening outbreak on Thursday, January 8th. The National Weather Service (NWS) confirmed that five tornadoes touched down in central and northeastern Oklahoma during that event. We’re talking about an EF-2 that tore through the Purcell area and multiple EF-1s around Shawnee and Wynona. Seeing that kind of activity in early January is weird. It’s scary. And it’s why everyone is on edge asking "is there a tornado in oklahoma right now" every time a cold front rolls through.
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The Reality of January Tornadoes in Oklahoma
Most people think tornado season starts in April and ends in June. That’s a myth. Well, maybe not a myth, but it’s definitely not the whole story. Oklahoma can—and does—get tornadoes every single month of the year.
Usually, January is one of the "quiet" months. Before this year, the state only averaged about 0.4 tornadoes every January. That’s less than one a year! But 2026 decided to start with a bang. By hitting five confirmed tornadoes on January 8th, we’ve already tied the all-time record for the most tornadoes ever recorded in Oklahoma during the month of January (a record previously set in 2023).
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What Happened on January 8, 2026?
The weather on Thursday was just... wrong for winter. It felt like May. Temperatures in some spots hit the mid-70s, which is nearly 30 degrees above the average high of 49. When you mix that unseasonable warmth with a powerful jet stream, you get the perfect recipe for a mess.
- Purcell (EF-2): This was the big one. It touched down near 180th Street and Ladd Road. It moved at a terrifying 56 mph—basically highway speeds—and ripped the roof off a home before crossing the Canadian River.
- Shawnee/Twin Lakes (EF-1): Two separate EF-1s hit this area. They weren't as strong as the Purcell twister, but they still packed 100 mph winds that messed up power poles and outbuildings.
- Wynona (EF-1): Up in Osage County, this storm produced 88 mph straight-line winds and a confirmed touchdown.
- Lake Thunderbird (EF-0): A weaker spin-up, but still enough to rattle anyone nearby.
Current Weather: Why the Radar is Clear Today
So, why is it quiet now? Basically, the atmosphere "spent" its energy. After that front moved through on Thursday, the air cooled down and dried out.
Checking the current observations from the Oklahoma Mesonet, most of the state is sitting in the 40s and 50s tonight. You need "fuel" for a tornado—warm, moist air from the Gulf of Mexico. Right now, that fuel is nowhere to be found. The dew points are low, meaning the air is dry. Without that humidity, you can't get the massive updrafts required to build a supercell.
If you’re looking at the sky and see clouds, don't panic. Unless you hear the sirens or see a "Tornado Warning" box on your weather app, you’re likely just looking at a standard winter front.
How to Check if There is a Tornado in Oklahoma Right Now
Don't rely on a single source. If you’re worried about a specific storm, here’s how the locals actually do it:
- NWS Norman & NWS Tulsa: These are the pros. They operate the NEXRAD radars. If they haven't issued a warning, there isn't a confirmed threat.
- The Oklahoma Mesonet: This is a world-class network of 120 weather stations. It’s unique to Oklahoma. If you see a station reporting a sudden 80 mph gust, like the one in Wynona last week, something is up.
- Local Broadcast Weather: People like to joke about Oklahoma meteorologists getting too excited, but they have access to private radar tech (like "Velocity" data) that shows rotation before the NWS even sends an alert.
Misconceptions About Winter Twisters
One of the biggest mistakes people make is thinking "it's too cold for a tornado."
It’s never too cold if the other ingredients are there. In fact, winter tornadoes can be more dangerous because they often move faster. The jet stream is stronger in the winter, which pushes these storms along at 50 or 60 mph. You have less time to react. Also, it gets dark earlier. A tornado at 5:30 PM in January is a "nighttime" tornado, which is way harder to spot than a big wedge in the afternoon sun.
State Climatologist Gary McManus recently noted that while these January events are rare, we’ve seen about a dozen of them in the last five years alone. Whether that’s due to better radar detection or shifting climate patterns, the "rules" of the seasons are definitely changing.
Actionable Steps for Oklahomans Tonight
Even though there isn't a tornado on the ground right this second, you’ve got to stay prepared. Weather in this state changes faster than a teenager's mood.
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- Audit your alerts: Make sure your Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) are turned ON in your phone settings. Do it now.
- Check the "Hazardous Weather Outlook": The NWS publishes this every morning. It tells you the probability of severe weather for the next seven days.
- Keep the path clear: If you have a storm shelter, make sure you didn't stack a bunch of Christmas decorations or old tires on top of the door. You don't want to be moving heavy junk while the sirens are going off.
- Monitor the 1-2-3 rule: If you see a Tornado Watch, it means ingredients are there. If you see a Warning, it means a tornado is either on radar or on the ground. Take cover immediately.
Stay weather aware. The record-setting start to 2026 suggests this might be a long year for the sirens.