OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA — Advanced radar data from the KTLX Oklahoma City radar is confirming a clear and active transition zone across the metro area, where pure snow north of the city is giving way to a wintry mix south of town as warmer air intrudes aloft.
Meteorologists are using Correlation Coefficient (CC) data — a high-confidence radar tool — to pinpoint exactly where different precipitation types are falling, and the signal over Oklahoma City is unusually well-defined.
What correlation coefficient shows over Oklahoma City
Correlation Coefficient measures how similar precipitation particles are within the radar beam:
- CC values near 1 (deep reds/pinks) indicate very uniform targets — typically pure snow
- Lower CC values (oranges, yellows, greens) indicate mixed shapes and sizes — often sleet or a snow/sleet mix
Radar imagery shows uniformly high CC values north of Oklahoma City, confirming steady snowfall, while CC values drop sharply south of the city, signaling a transition to wintry mix.
Oklahoma City sits near the critical boundary
Oklahoma City is positioned very close to the dashed transition line separating precipitation types. This means conditions across the city may vary significantly by neighborhood, with:
- Predominantly snowfall on the north side of the metro
- Snow mixing with sleet toward southern and southeastern portions
- Rapid changes possible if temperatures shift even slightly
This kind of setup often leads to rapid road deterioration, especially where snow compacts and sleet adds an icy glaze.
Why this matters for impacts
The presence of mixed precipitation increases hazards even if snowfall totals are not extreme. Sleet can:
- Reduce traction more quickly than snow alone
- Accumulate into a dense, hard-to-clear layer
- Make bridges and elevated roadways especially dangerous
Radar confirmation of this boundary means conditions can worsen quickly, particularly during overnight hours.
What to expect next
As the system continues to evolve:
- Snow should remain dominant north of the city
- Mixed precipitation may continue or expand southward
- Small temperature changes could shift the boundary directly over parts of Oklahoma City
Residents should be prepared for rapidly changing road conditions and monitor local advisories closely.
Bottom line
Radar data confirms Oklahoma City is sitting near a sharp snow-to-wintry-mix boundary, with pure snow falling just north of the metro and sleet mixing in to the south. This setup increases the risk of slick, hazardous travel, even without extreme snowfall totals…