Tulsa, OK – A sweltering heat wave is gripping eastern Oklahoma and northwest Arkansas today, with heat index values soaring to 106 degrees and a Heat Advisory in effect from noon until 8 p.m. Thursday. Residents in Tulsa, Fort Smith, Muskogee, and surrounding areas are urged to take immediate precautions as heat illnesses become a significant risk.
According to the National Weather Service in Tulsa, the advisory covers cities including Claremore, Okmulgee, Wagoner, Sallisaw, and Van Buren, along with major counties stretching from Crawford and Sebastian in Arkansas to Tulsa and Le Flore in Oklahoma. The hottest conditions will peak during afternoon and early evening hours, when outdoor activities can quickly become dangerous.
Local health officials warn that those unaccustomed to this level of heat or anyone performing strenuous work outdoors face the highest risk of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Emergency agencies recommend staying indoors if possible, wearing lightweight clothing, and avoiding midday sun. If you must be outside, schedule tasks for early morning or evening, drink plenty of water, and take frequent breaks in the shade.
Public schools and city offices in Tulsa, Fort Smith, and Muskogee may alter schedules or activate cooling centers. Residents should also check on elderly neighbors and pets as temperatures climb.
Today’s advisory follows a trend of mid-July heat waves in the region, recalling similar records set in summer 2022. The Heat Advisory remains in effect until 8 p.m., with more updates possible if dangerous conditions persist.
