Oklahoma City, OK – Dangerous heat will blanket much of Oklahoma and portions of northern Texas on Thursday, as heat index values surge between 105 and 110 degrees from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m., threatening health and straining infrastructure across the region.
According to the National Weather Service in Norman and Tulsa, the Heat Advisory covers nearly all of central and eastern Oklahoma, including Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Norman, and Lawton, as well as Wichita Falls, Texas, and stretches as far as eastern Arkansas. Officials urge residents to stay hydrated, avoid prolonged sun exposure, and check on vulnerable neighbors as the risk for heat-related illnesses sharply increases.
Major cities like Oklahoma City and Tulsa, along with counties such as Payne, Cleveland, and Muskogee, could see roads shimmering in the heat and rolling power demands as residents crank up air conditioning. Outdoor workers and anyone without reliable cooling face the highest risk for heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Limit strenuous activity to early morning or evening hours, wear lightweight clothing, and never leave pets or children in parked cars.
This hazardous heat is expected to linger through Thursday evening, with another update possible if conditions worsen. Emergency cooling centers may open if power grids become strained.
