The 10 U.S. Cities With the Absolute Worst Weather, According to Research
This is where Mother Nature just can’t make up her mind.
If you’ve ever packed for a trip and felt completely stumped by the forecast, you’re not alone, especially if you were headed to one of these cities.
A new study by Tideschart analyzed weather patterns in the 50 most populated U.S. cities, looking at everything from daily temperature swings to rainfall and wind fluctuations. The results are a ranked list of the most unpredictable places for weather in the country. (Spoiler alert: The Midwest and South dominate.)
Here are the top 10 cities where Mother Nature keeps everyone on their toes.
10. Fort Worth, Texas
Kicking off the list is Fort Worth, where locals are no strangers to dramatic weather mood swings. With everything from sunny skies to sudden thunderstorms, it’s a city where the saying “If you don’t like the weather, wait five minutes” really rings true.
9. Arlington, Texas
Just a short drive from Fort Worth, Arlington proves that Texas weather really doesn’t play nice. From hot, sticky afternoons to gusty evenings, it’s another Lone Star city where layering is essential…and so is checking the radar more than once a day.
8. Chicago, Illinois
Chicagoans are already seasoned pros when it comes to braving the elements, but even they can be caught off guard. The Windy City lives up to its nickname with frequent gusts and unpredictable temperature drops, especially around the lakefront.
7. Indianapolis, Indiana
If you’re planning a trip to Indy, don’t bother trying to pack light. With a high variability in both wind speed and temperature, you’ll want your full closet handy, from tank tops to sweaters to rain jackets.
6. Tulsa, Oklahoma
Oklahoma makes its first appearance on the list with Tulsa, where you can go from a spring-like morning to a full-on thunderstorm by dinnertime. Locals know better than to leave the house without checking the radar…and maybe packing an umbrella, just in case.
5. Louisville, Kentucky
Louisville doesn’t get talked about enough when it comes to chaotic weather, but this city delivers serious whiplash. Rain, shine, or something in between, it’s all on the table, sometimes in the same afternoon.
4. Kansas City, Missouri
KC isn’t just known for barbecue and jazz—it’s also a hotbed of unpredictable weather. One minute it’s warm and breezy, the next you’re dodging hail or gusting winds. If you ever visit, layers and flexibility are your best friends.
3. Minneapolis, Minnesota
Minnesotans already know that living here requires checking weather apps constantly. The city recorded some of the largest temperature swings in the country, like 22°F changes in a single day. That’s not weather…it’s a rollercoaster.
2. Omaha, Nebraska
Omaha takes the unpredictability up a notch with the highest average wind speed deviation and the wildest temperature fluctuations. One day might feel like spring, and the next like mid-winter. Planning an outfit here? Good luck!
1. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
And at the very top of the list is Oklahoma City, officially crowned the most unpredictable weather city in the U.S. According to the study, it’s a place where daily wind speeds and rainfall swing wildly. Severe storms? Sudden drops in temperature? It’s all part of the OKC experience. Locals likely have their own weather survival tips, but here’s ours: dress in layers and keep your phone charged—you’ll be checking the weather often.
Looking for more stable skies?
If unpredictable weather isn’t your thing, you might want to check out the best places to live for the weather in the U.S. These cities are known for their mild, steady conditions year-round, perfect for anyone who doesn’t want to gamble with Mother Nature every morning.
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