Tulsa, Oklahoma – Temperatures across eastern Oklahoma and northwest Arkansas are set to climb into dangerous territory this weekend, with heat indices expected to exceed 105°F in several cities after Friday’s storms taper off.
According to the National Weather Service in Tulsa, a lingering low-end storm threat will persist through Friday, but rain chances plummet to under 10% beginning Saturday. As the moisture clears out, intense summer heat will settle in, with Tulsa, Fort Smith, McAlester, and Muskogee projected to see maximum heat indices between 101°F and 105°F through Monday.
Fayetteville, Tahlequah, and Hugo aren’t far behind, with “feels like” temperatures climbing into the upper 90s and low 100s. The combination of high heat and low precipitation raises the risk of heat-related illness and dehydration. Officials urge residents to limit outdoor activity, stay hydrated, and check on vulnerable neighbors—especially the elderly and those without air conditioning.
Oklahoma’s heat surge follows scattered midweek storms, with cities like Okemah seeing up to a 50% chance of rain on Tuesday before a sharp drop-off. This trend could mark the first prolonged heat wave of July, with similar patterns seen during the record-setting summer of 2011.
Heat advisories are likely to be issued later this week. More updates will follow as conditions evolve.
🗓️ Five-Day Forecast (Tulsa Region):
- Tuesday (7/15): High 99°F | 25% chance of storms
- Wednesday (7/16): High 101°F | 5% chance of rain
- Thursday (7/17): High 101°F | 10% chance of rain
- Friday (7/18): High 102°F | 5% chance of rain
- Saturday (7/19): High 104°F | <5% chance of rain
