Tulsa, OK – A dangerous heat wave is affecting eastern Oklahoma and northwest Arkansas, with heat index values expected to climb to 106°F. A Heat Advisory is in effect from noon until 8 p.m. Thursday, urging residents in Tulsa, Fort Smith, Muskogee, and surrounding areas to take immediate precautions.
The National Weather Service in Tulsa has issued the advisory for cities including Claremore, Okmulgee, Wagoner, Sallisaw, and Van Buren, as well as counties like Crawford and Sebastian in Arkansas, and Tulsa and Le Flore in Oklahoma.
The hottest conditions are expected in the afternoon and early evening, when outdoor activities could become dangerous due to the intense heat.
Health officials are warning that those unaccustomed to such high temperatures or individuals performing strenuous outdoor work are at the highest risk for heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Emergency agencies recommend staying indoors whenever possible, wearing lightweight clothing, and avoiding the midday sun. For those needing to be outdoors, tasks should be scheduled for early morning or evening hours, with frequent breaks in the shade and plenty of water to stay hydrated.
In response to the heat, public schools and city offices in Tulsa, Fort Smith, and Muskogee may adjust their schedules or activate cooling centers to assist residents. Neighbors, especially the elderly and those with pets, should be checked on as temperatures climb.
This heat advisory is part of a trend of mid-July heat waves in the region, echoing similar records set during the summer of 2022. The advisory remains in effect until 8 p.m., and more updates may be issued if dangerous conditions persist.
