Winter Body Slam: LeFlore County Braces for 40-Degree Temperature Drop
Residents of LeFlore County are waking up this Sunday morning to a final taste of spring before a powerful Arctic front brings a definitive end to the unseasonable December warmth. If you have been enjoying the record-setting temperatures in Heavener, Poteau, and Talihina, it is time to dig out the heavy coats. We are tracking a dramatic "weather cliff" that will see the mercury drop over 40 degrees in less than 24 hours.
The Sunday Transition: Calm Before the Front
Sunday, December 28, starts off uncharacteristically mild. We expect afternoon highs to climb to a balmy 77°F under partly sunny skies. However, the wind will be the first indicator of the coming change. A Wind Advisory is currently in effect for much of the county, with southwest gusts reaching as high as 40 mph throughout the morning.
By late afternoon, clouds will thicken as the cold front approaches from the northwest. We are looking at a 30% to 50% chance of showers and perhaps an isolated thunderstorm between 4:00 PM and 8:00 PM.
The "New Year's Shift": Sunday Night Plunge
The primary concern for local travelers and ranchers is the speed of the temperature drop tonight. As the front passes, the wind will shift sharply to the northwest.
The Drop: We will go from a high of 77°F today to an overnight low of 29°F.
Wintry Mix Potential: As the temperatures hit the freezing mark after midnight, any lingering moisture could transition into a brief rain-to-snow shower mix. While no significant accumulation is expected, bridges and overpasses could develop slick spots as the ground remains warm but the air turns frigid.
LeFlore County 7-Day Forecast (Dec 28 – Jan 3)
Date | Condition | High | Low |
Sun, Dec 28 | Windy / Late Showers | 77°F | 29°F |
Mon, Dec 29 | Mostly Sunny / Cold | 39°F | 22°F |
Tue, Dec 30 | Sunny / Hard Freeze | 45°F | 26°F |
Wed, Dec 31 | Sunny / Milder | 57°F | 33°F |
Thu, Jan 1 | Partly Sunny | 59°F | 30°F |
Fri, Jan 2 | Increasing Clouds | 62°F | 44°F |
Sat, Jan 3 | Cloudy / Chance of Rain | 58°F | 46°F |
Detailed Daily Breakdown
Monday & Tuesday: The Deep Freeze
The start of the work week will be a shock to the system. Monday will struggle to reach 39°F, even with plenty of sunshine. With the northwest wind continuing to blow at 10-15 mph, the "feels like" temperature will likely stay in the 20s for much of the day. Monday night will bring a hard freeze to the Ouachita Mountains and the Poteau River valley, with lows bottoming out around 22°F.
Tuesday remains crisp but beautiful. Expect a high of 45°F. This is the perfect day to check on your neighbors and ensure outdoor pets have adequate shelter from the frost.
New Year’s Eve & New Year's Day
For those planning to celebrate the arrival of 2026, the weather looks cooperative. Wednesday (New Year's Eve) will see a warming trend as southerly winds return, pushing highs back to a comfortable 57°F.
At Midnight: Temperatures will be around 38°F—chilly, but manageable for outdoor festivities in downtown Poteau or Heavener.
New Year's Day: 2026 begins on a mild note with a high of 59°F and mostly clear skies.
Looking Ahead: Rain Returns
As we head into the first weekend of January, the moisture returns. Friday and Saturday will see cloud cover increase with temperatures hovering in the low 60s. We are currently watching a system for Sunday, January 4, that could bring a broader 30% to 50% chance of rain to the region.
Action Steps for LeFlore County Residents
Protect the "4 P's": Before the sun goes down tonight, ensure your People, Pets, Pipes, and Plants are prepared for the sub-freezing temperatures arriving after midnight.
Driving Hazards: Secure loose outdoor items (like trash cans or holiday decorations) this morning, as the 40 mph wind gusts could turn them into projectiles.
Livestock: With the temperature dropping 40 degrees in one night, livestock will be under significant stress. Ensure they have access to windbreaks and plenty of dry bedding.
Calendar of events
Calendar of events for the next week for Heavener, LeFlore County, southeastern Oklahoma and western Arkansas. The calendar is a free service for our readers. If you know of an event coming up,, please CONTACT me.
Sunday
Monday
LeFlore County commissioners meet 9 a.m.
High school basketball: Howe girls vs. Kingfisher 3 p.m. at Ada; Pocola boys at Mustang Holiday Classic.
Tuesday
Poteau Evening Lions Club meet 6 p.m. CASC
High school basketball: Howe girls at Bertha Teague Classic; Pocola boys at Mustang Holiday Classic
Wednesday
Poteau Rotary Club meets noon EOMC
High school basketball: Howe girls at Bertha Teague Classic; Pocola boys at Mustang Holiday Classic
Thursday
Happy New Year
Saturday
High school basketball: Vian at Heavener
Today in History: Dec. 28
Today in history for Dec. 28
Major Historical Events on December 28
· 1065 – Westminster Abbey Opens: Westminster Abbey, one of the United Kingdom’s most historic religious buildings, was consecrated in London. The Abbey has since been the site of many royal ceremonies, including coronations and weddings.
· 1832 – John C. Calhoun Resigns as U.S. Vice President: John C. Calhoun became the first vice president in U.S. history to resign from office, stepping down due to differences over states’ rights and federal authority.
· 1895 – The Lumière Brothers Hold the First Commercial Movie Screening: In Paris, Auguste and Louis Lumière hosted the first public showing of moving pictures, marking the birth of cinema as an entertainment medium.
· 1945 – Congress Officially Recognizes Pledge of Allegiance: The United States Congress formally recognized the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
· 1981 – The First American Test-Tube Baby Is Born: Elizabeth Jordan Carr, the first American baby conceived through in vitro fertilization, was born in Norfolk, Virginia.
· 2014 – Indonesia AirAsia Flight 8501 Crash: An AirAsia flight traveling from Surabaya to Singapore crashed into the Java Sea, tragically killing all 162 people aboard.
Notable Births on December 28
· 1856 – Woodrow Wilson: 28th President of the United States, known for leading the country during World War I and founding the League of Nations.
· 1922 – Stan Lee: Legendary comic book writer, editor, and publisher, co-creator of numerous Marvel superheroes.
· 1934 – Maggie Smith: Renowned British actress, winner of numerous awards for stage and screen performances.
· 1954 – Denzel Washington: Acclaimed American actor and filmmaker, recipient of multiple Academy Awards.
Other Noteworthy Events
· Holy Innocents’ Day: In Christian tradition, December 28 commemorates the biblical account of King Herod’s massacre of children in Bethlehem.
· National Chocolate Candy Day (USA): A fun observance for those with a sweet tooth!
Erica Shantel Gutierrez services planned
Erica Shantel Gutierrez, 33, was born Aug. 7, 1992, in Talihina to Lori Leigh (Morgan) and Francisco Gutierrez and passed away Dec. 20, 2025, in Tyler, Texas.
Graveside services are Tuesday at 2 p.m. at Good Springs Cemetery in Lenox with Bro. Kenny Bryant officiating. Services have been entrusted to McCarn Funeral Service.
Survivors are her mother Lori Morgan and step father Robert Washington Jr.; father Francisco Gutierrez and step mother Angelina Ordez Sanchez; fiance, Scott Clagg; siblings Brandon Morgan, Noelea Gutierrez and Jaqueline Gutierrez,; maternal grandparents Libby and Hugh Morgan; paternal grandmother Julia Ramirez Santana, along with many family members and loved ones.
Erica was preceded in death by her unborn son, Forest Wolf Clagg, who passed along with her. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Erica Shantel Gutierrez please visit our Sympathy Store.