by Tulsa, Oklahoma — December is closing out with an unusual and increasingly concerning lack of rainfall across eastern Oklahoma and northwest Arkansas. What began as a quiet dry spell has now pushed several cities toward historic precipitation lows, putting this December among the driest on record for parts of the region.
According to the National Weather Service office in Tulsa, rainfall totals across the area have remained exceptionally limited throughout the month, with little relief expected before December comes to an end.
Tulsa Nears One of Its Driest Decembers Ever
Tulsa has recorded just 0.01 inches of precipitation so far this month. That places December 2025 as the second-driest December on record for the city. The only drier December occurred in 1900, when no measurable precipitation was recorded at all.
Meteorologists say that while one more system could move through before the month ends, any additional rainfall would need to be measurable to alter the record standings — something that remains uncertain at this point.
Northwest Arkansas Also Approaching Records
The dry pattern is not limited to northeastern Oklahoma. Several cities across northwest Arkansas are also edging closer to their historic December lows.
In Fort Smith, Arkansas, only 0.07 inches of rain has fallen so far this month. That puts the city within striking distance of its December record low of 0.09 inches, set in 1908. If Fort Smith remains dry through the final days of December, the city could either tie or break that long-standing mark.
Fayetteville, Arkansas has received 0.11 inches of precipitation this month. While its record low stands at 0.26 inches from 1955, forecasters say Fayetteville still has a realistic chance of setting a new December record if dry conditions persist through the end of the month.
Limited Rain Chances Ahead
Looking ahead, forecasters say precipitation opportunities remain scarce. A cold front expected to move through the region on Sunday may represent the final chance for measurable rainfall before December concludes.
Even with that system, rainfall chances are described as uncertain, and amounts may be too light or spotty to significantly impact monthly totals. In other words, many areas may finish December with little to no additional precipitation.
Meteorologists emphasize that while colder air will arrive behind the front, cold does not guarantee moisture, and dry air masses are likely to dominate as the calendar flips toward January.
Impacts Extend Beyond Record Books
The prolonged lack of rainfall carries consequences that go beyond climate statistics. Forecasters note that fire weather concerns remain elevated, particularly on dry and windy days when dormant vegetation can ignite more easily.
Soil moisture levels across the region are also under strain, which can impact agriculture, winter wheat, and dormant vegetation heading into the new year. While winter crops typically require less water than summer plantings, extended dryness can still affect root development and soil health.
In rural areas, land managers are being advised to delay unnecessary burning and follow local fire safety guidelines until moisture levels improve.
Read Also: Post-Christmas Weather Alert: More Snow and Ice Headed for the Northeast
Records Still in Play
The National Weather Service says record-related updates are likely in the coming days, especially if the expected cold front fails to produce measurable rainfall. Forecasters continue to monitor precipitation trends closely as December winds down.
Even a small amount of rain could shift final rankings, but without it, multiple cities may cement their place in the historical record books for extreme December dryness.
What Residents Should Watch
- Fire safety conditions on dry, breezy days
- Updated forecasts for Sunday’s cold front
- Record precipitation updates as December ends
- Soil and vegetation stress heading into January
While dry weather can offer smooth travel and quieter days, its long-term effects are already being felt across the region.
Have you noticed how dry this December has been where you live? Share what conditions look like in your area in the comments below.
