Tulsa, OK – A severe heatwave is set to grip Tulsa and the surrounding areas, with heat indices expected to reach between 100°F and 110°F by mid-week. The National Weather Service (NWS) in Tulsa has issued a warning for the upcoming days, urging residents to take necessary precautions to stay safe in the extreme heat.
According to the NWS, the heatwave will intensify on Tuesday and Wednesday, with Tulsa expected to reach a maximum heat index of 107°F on Wednesday. Other cities in the region, including Fort Smith and Fayetteville, are also forecasted to experience dangerously high heat indices of up to 107°F.
The heat index values are predicted to be 100°F or higher across multiple cities in Oklahoma. Fort Smith will reach 105°F on Tuesday and 107°F on Wednesday, while Fayetteville is projected to hit 102°F and 106°F on the same days. Bartlesville, Muskogee, and Tahlequah will also see indices over 100°F.
The NWS emphasizes the importance of staying hydrated, avoiding strenuous outdoor activities during peak heat hours, and checking on vulnerable individuals such as the elderly and those with health conditions. Additionally, it is crucial to never leave children or pets in parked vehicles.
While the extreme heat is expected to persist through Wednesday, somewhat cooler weather is anticipated by the end of the week. By Friday, heat indices will drop to the mid-90s, providing slight relief from the intense temperatures earlier in the week.