Oklahoma’s Early Spring Begins With Hail

It's only been a few days since weather teams all across the country issued the same Tornado Season Outlook for 2026, which works in Oklahoma's favor.

With changing patterns out in the Pacific, La Nina looks like it's going to flip to a somewhat neutral state, and that could translate into fewer tornadoes for the plains as we roll through Severe Weather Season in the Sooner State.

That is a good initial outlook for us, but we're not in the clear. Just like the Storm Prediction Center has been saying for the last few weeks, intense wind and hail storms are going to be the nature of the beast, and it starts now.

Hail, Followed by Hail, With More Hail Expected

Wasting no time ramping up the risks, parts of Oklahoma are already expecting a multi-day severe weather outbreak. Storms are stacked up in the Pacific and likely going to give us back-to-back events through the weekend.

Things are going to kick off on Tuesday with a double-threat. Fire danger throughout the day as the winds ramp up ahead of the first system, with marginal risks of hail across Northwest Oklahoma into the evening.

Wednesday threats will be widespread rain and hail across the area, mainly in Southeastern Oklahoma.

Thursday, storms will threaten Western OK. Friday risks affect pretty much the entire state, and Saturday, the system moves back over to Eastern OK.

We could all use the rain, but the hail risks are anywhere from marginal on some days to enhanced on others. This will change as the stormtracks do, and timing and expectations will also become clearer in time.

Tornado Threats

While the tornado threat in Oklahoma is almost never zero, the potential is incredibly low with these storms. While we're experiencing an early, very warm spring, the heat won't be in the atmosphere for this round of storms.

That doesn't rule out a small twister here or there, if conditions spark up, it's always possible... but the risks of a major event are super-low.

How To Prepare

I guess that's always the question when Severe Weather Season starts. I guess now is as good a time as any to clean out the garage. Make sure you can get your vehicle protected. Not much you can do for the home or the roof.

Now is a prime time to put together a family tornado plan if you haven't. Restock the shelter with a few odds and ends - water, non-perishable food, charge the power banks, maybe toss in a fresh deck of cards.