According to an analysis by Tideschart, Oklahoma City in the nation’s heartland experiences the most unpredictable weather among the 50 most populous U.S. cities. The analysis, which considered variables like daily rainfall, temperature fluctuations, and wind speed, led to the development of a “weather unpredictability index” by experts at Tideschart. Each city was assigned a score based on this index, with Oklahoma City scoring the highest at 81.06 due to its roller coaster-like weather patterns. The city sees high variations in rainfall and is ranked as the second windiest city in the survey.
Following Oklahoma City on the list is Omaha, Nebraska, with a score of 79.77. Omaha is known for its extreme temperature swings, often exceeding 20 degrees in a single day. The study’s findings suggest that residents in these unpredictable cities need to be prepared for sudden weather shifts, such as severe thunderstorms or significant temperature changes. Layered clothing is recommended as a practical way to adjust to the varying conditions.
Other cities in the top 10 list include Minneapolis, Indianapolis, Chicago, and Fort Worth, all of which experience significant fluctuations in daily temperatures, wind speeds, and precipitation. On the contrary, cities along the West Coast were found to have the most stable and predictable weather in the country. For example, Long Beach, California, scored low on the unpredictability index, followed by cities like Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Jose.
The study also highlighted some surprises, such as Tampa, Florida, having the most unpredictable rainfall patterns nationwide, and Miami maintaining consistent average temperatures with minimal daily fluctuations. California was noted for its stable weather conditions, making weather forecasting more reliable in the state.
