A Heat Advisory takes effect at noon Wednesday for a wide stretch of eastern Oklahoma and northwest Arkansas, where heat index values are forecast to climb as high as 109 degrees.
The advisory runs from noon to 8 PM Wednesday and follows hazardous weather outlooks issued Tuesday afternoon by two National Weather Service offices.
Tulsa, Muskogee and Fort Smith: Heat Index Up to 108
The NWS Tulsa office says heat index values up to 108 are expected across Tulsa, Rogers, Mayes, Creek, Okmulgee, Wagoner, Muskogee and McIntosh counties in Oklahoma, plus Sebastian, Crawford and Franklin counties in Arkansas.
Cities in the advisory area include Tulsa, Muskogee, Sapulpa, Claremore, Wagoner, McAlester, Stigler, Sallisaw and Fort Smith.
Shawnee, Ada and South Central Oklahoma: Heat Index Up to 109
Just to the southwest, the NWS Norman office has the same advisory in effect for Lincoln, Pottawatomie, Seminole, Hughes, Pontotoc, Coal, Johnston and Atoka counties, where heat index values could reach 109.
Shawnee, Seminole, Ada, Holdenville, Wewoka and Tishomingo are among the cities included.
Why It Matters
A Heat Advisory means hot temperatures combined with high humidity can create dangerous conditions, particularly for anyone spending extended time outdoors or working in the heat.
Heat-related illness is most likely to affect people who aren’t acclimated to the conditions or who are performing strenuous activity in the afternoon sun.
How to Stay Safe
Drink plenty of fluids and limit strenuous outdoor activity to early morning or evening hours.
Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing, stay in air-conditioned spaces when possible, and check on relatives and neighbors who may be more vulnerable to the heat.
Know the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, and seek shade or air conditioning immediately if symptoms appear.
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