The cold last January was due to an ice storm that knocked power out across the state. This coming week’s bitter cold across Oklahoma and North Texas will be due to a large Arctic airmass that is building over Canada and then moving into our area.

There will be a gradual progression from mild air late this week, to cold air this weekend, to frigid air early next week.

Bitter cold will be the most widespread and longest lasting impact of this weather event, but there is also a chance of snow.

One upper level trough will arrive late Saturday night and move off to the east on Sunday, producing a chance of rain and snow.

A colder and more significant upper level trough will follow closely behind, the first arriving Monday and departing to the east Monday evening. This trough is likely to produce accumulating snow across northern Oklahoma.

At the same time on Monday, winds are forecast to become brisk and gusty as a large and strong high pressure center pushes the coldest Arctic air toward the Southern Plains. This will likely result in areas of blowing or drifting snow, especially north of I-40.

The chance of accumulating snowfall will end by Monday night, but bitterly cold air will continue to pour into Oklahoma and North Texas on Tuesday and Wednesday.

This will be the coldest Arctic air of the season, and brisk north winds will produce very low wind chills. Between Monday and Thursday of next week some areas could experience several consecutive days with the air temperature remaining below freezing and wind chill temperatures occasionally falling below zero.

Residents are encouraged to prepare now for an extended period of very cold weather. Provide water to outside pets and livestock and make sure they will have a place to shelter from the cold. Protect exposed pipes to prevent freezing and bursting. Also make sure your vehicle has a strong battery and adequate anti-freeze.

If traveling next week, take along food, water, blankets and cold weather gear in case you become stranded.