Tulsa, Oklahoma – A dangerous stretch of heat will grip eastern Oklahoma and parts of western Arkansas through Friday evening, with back-to-back heat advisories in effect and heat index values climbing as high as 110°F.
According to the National Weather Service in Tulsa, Thursday’s advisory runs from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m., with Friday’s extending from noon to 8 p.m. Affected areas include Tulsa, Rogers, Creek, and Sequoyah counties in Oklahoma, as well as Crawford, Franklin, and Sebastian counties in Arkansas. Residents in Vinita and Pryor will also be under a separate advisory Thursday afternoon with heat index values nearing 105°F.
The extreme heat poses serious risks, especially for outdoor workers, children, and the elderly. Emergency managers urge people to limit strenuous activities during peak hours, hydrate frequently, and check on vulnerable neighbors. Schools and sports programs are advised to modify practice schedules and provide adequate cooling options.
Residents are reminded to avoid leaving children or pets in vehicles, even for a short time, as interior temperatures can rise dangerously fast.
Friday may bring slight relief in the evening, but further advisories could be issued if the heat lingers into the weekend.
