Extreme heat hitting Oklahoma, how you need to be prepared for the long hot summer
Copyright 2010 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Posted: 07/11/2011
TULSA - This summer is reminding me a lot of what we had this winter - record-breaking extreme conditions .
About the time you think it CANNOT get worse, another record is shattered.
This winter it was snow and cold, and now it's record heat and drought conditions. Sadly, we still have another six weeks of summer.
On Saturday the temperature in Tulsa reached 105 and on Sunday we set a record high of 107. That breaks the record of 105 set first in 1923 then again in 1933.
This wasn't a fluke or someone misreading the thermometer. All of Green Country sweltered this weekend. Copan and Foraker reached 108, and it was 107 in Oilton, Skiatook, Pryor, Nowata, and Vinita.
An Excessive Heat Warning is in effect until Tuesday evening for portions of Green Country.
Expect dangerous heat index temps near 110 for the next two afternoons. There's not even much relief at night. Lows will be near 80.
Heat kills more people than tornadoes, lightning, or floods. It is something that few take seriously, until it is too late. Just like we prepare for severe weather, we need to make sure we are ready for these dangerous temperatures.
Dress in light colored, lightweight, loose fitting clothing. Darker colored clothing absorbs the heat, while lighter colors reflect the heat.
If you work outside, take frequent breaks in the shade or inside in the air conditioning.
Drink extra water and/or non-alcoholic fluids.
Whatever you do, always be mindful of children left in cars. Never leave a child in an unattended vehicle, even if the windows are down. Pets are vulnerable to heat.
The most vulnerable to heat are the very young, the sick, and the elderly.
Be sure and check on your neighbors. If you don't have a/c visit your church, the library, or a mall. Don't be afraid to call someone so you can avoid the heat during the heat of the day.
I am afraid it will get worse before it gets any better.
There will be more records set before autumn arrives. Like winter, we are going to get through this... just hang on.
How are you dealing with the heat? If you have picture of how you Beat the Heat this summer submit it at www.kjrh.com/beattheheat .
Copyright 2011 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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