Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas Expected to See Unseasonably Warm Temperatures Leading Into Christmas Week
TEXAS — A dramatic warmup is forecast to sweep across much of the central and southern United States in the days leading up to Christmas, with Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, and surrounding states experiencing a surge of unseasonably mild temperatures.
According to new data from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF), a powerful ridge of high pressure will dominate much of the central U.S. around December 20, creating what meteorologists are calling a “December blowtorch” pattern. This setup could push temperatures 10–15°C (18–27°F) above normal, replacing any hint of winter chill with conditions more typical of early fall.
Major Warmup Across the Plains and South
Forecast maps show a wide area of deep red tones — a strong indicator of warmth — centered over the Southern Plains, stretching from Texas and Oklahoma northward into Kansas, Missouri, and Arkansas. Daytime highs could climb into the upper 60s to low 70s in parts of Central and North Texas, while overnight lows remain far above freezing.
Meteorologists say this pattern will likely prevent any chance of a white Christmas across much of the central U.S. The extended mild spell may also dry out the region, reducing precipitation chances for the week leading up to the holiday.
Why This December Warmth Is Happening
This unusual late-December heatwave is being driven by a strong upper-level ridge forming across the central U.S., which will push the jet stream well north into Canada. That configuration effectively blocks Arctic air from moving south, allowing warm, subtropical air to surge northward from the Gulf of Mexico.
While this setup is not unprecedented, its intensity and timing — so close to Christmas — are notable. Forecasters describe it as part of a broader El Niño pattern, which often brings milder and drier conditions to the southern United States during winter.
Impact and Outlook
The warm stretch will likely continue into the week of December 21–24, giving much of the country an unusually mild lead-up to the holiday. While northern states such as Minnesota and Wisconsin may still see cooler conditions, the southern half of the nation will remain significantly warmer than average.
Meteorologists caution that this warmth may not last through the end of the month, as models suggest a potential return to colder air before New Year’s Eve. For now, however, residents across Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas can expect to trade winter coats for light jackets and enjoy a rare “springlike” feel just before Christmas.
Stay tuned for more detailed regional weather updates and forecasts at NapervilleLocal.com.
I’ve lived in Naperville long enough to see how quickly our community changes — from new developments downtown to sudden shifts in our Midwest weather. Reporting on Naperville news and daily forecasts gives me the chance to keep neighbors informed about what really matters. My goal is simple: deliver clear, timely updates so you always know what’s happening in our city and what to expect from the skies above.