TULSA, Okla. – Extreme heat is gripping much of eastern Oklahoma and west-central Arkansas today, with heat index values climbing as high as 109 degrees. The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory from noon until 8 p.m., urging residents to limit outdoor activity and watch for signs of heat illness through the weekend.
According to the National Weather Service in Tulsa, actual air temperatures will top out between 95 and 100 degrees, but humidity will push the “feels-like” readings into dangerous territory. Heat stress and heat stroke are possible with prolonged exposure. Residents are advised to take frequent air-conditioning breaks, check on elderly neighbors, and stay hydrated.
Isolated afternoon showers or thunderstorms may pop up across southeast Oklahoma and northwest Arkansas, but most areas will remain dry. The chance of precipitation sits at 10 to 20 percent, with any storms capable of producing locally heavy rain, strong gusts, and dangerous lightning.
Dangerous heat is expected to persist into Sunday, with only modest relief forecast early next week. Storm chances slowly increase by midweek, especially across southeast Oklahoma and western Arkansas.
