Oklahoma City and Tulsa Have Outpaced Salt Lake City in Snowfall This Winter, Stunning 2025–26 Season Totals Show
UNITED STATES — In a twist few meteorologists would have predicted before winter began, Oklahoma City and Tulsa have recorded more snowfall this season than Salt Lake City, Utah — a city traditionally known for its snowy winters and proximity to the Wasatch Mountains. The numbers are clear, and they are not a typo.
Season Snowfall Totals Tell the Story
So far during the 2025–26 winter season:
- Oklahoma City: 8.5 inches
- Tulsa: 8.7 inches
- Salt Lake City: 0.1 inches
Yes — just one-tenth of an inch officially recorded in Salt Lake City so far this season.
That comparison has surprised many weather watchers, particularly given Salt Lake City’s reputation as one of the snowier urban areas in the western United States.
Why Is Salt Lake City So Low?
Salt Lake City typically benefits from lake-effect snow and frequent Pacific storm systems. However, this winter has been unusually quiet across much of Utah. A persistent pattern has steered stronger storms away from northern Utah, limiting meaningful snowfall events.
Meanwhile, parts of Oklahoma saw multiple winter weather systems earlier this season that produced measurable snow accumulation, allowing cities like Oklahoma City and Tulsa to quietly build up totals. Weather patterns this year have simply refused to follow the usual script.
A Reminder That Winter Can Surprise Us
Climatologically, Salt Lake City averages significantly more snowfall than most cities in Oklahoma during a typical winter season. That’s why this year’s numbers stand out so dramatically.
While Utah’s snow season could still rebound before spring arrives, the contrast highlights how atmospheric patterns can dramatically shift snowfall distribution from year to year. Meteorologists often caution against assuming historical averages guarantee seasonal outcomes. This winter is proving that point in real time.
Could the Pattern Still Change?
Winter is not over yet. A single strong storm could quickly boost Salt Lake City’s totals, narrowing the gap. But as of now, the scoreboard reads clearly: Oklahoma’s major metro areas have seen more snow than Utah’s capital city.
It’s a headline few expected when winter began. Weather never follows a script — and the 2025–26 season is delivering one of its most surprising storylines yet. For more unusual weather trends and national updates, visit chicagomusicguide.com and stay ahead of the forecast.