Excessive Heat Warning In Effect For The Weekend

NewsOn6.com

TULSA, OK -- For at least the next week, weather across all of eastern Oklahoma will be hot and humid.

The National Weather Service has issued an Excessive Heat Warning. The warning impacts residents in Tulsa, Rogers, Wagoner, Sequoyah and Muskogee counties.

Afternoon heat index values will reach near 105 degrees Friday afternoon and between 105 and 110 degrees through the weekend.

The NWS reports the hot weather is expected to continue through much of next week and additional warnings may be needed.

The News On 6 WARN team says a high pressure system has settled over the central part of the U.S. and along with high humidity values, much of the Midwest, including eastern Oklahoma, will make it miserable to be outdoors.

The long term forecast offers little respite from the heat.

EMSA says on Thursday, paramedics treated a 10-year-old male patient with symptoms of heat related illness. He was transported to a Tulsa hospital and is listed in fair condition.

As of Friday afternoon, EMSA had responded five individuals with symptoms of heat-related illness.  Four of the five patients were transported to hospitals and are in fair condition.  EMSA said a 39-year-old man was transported to the hospital in serious condition.

EMSA offers some simple reminders to cope with this heat wave:

• Light colored loose fitting clothing,
• Non-alcoholic/non-caffeinated fluids
• Stay in air-conditioned areas when possible. (libraries, malls, movie theaters)
• If you must be outdoors, take plenty of breaks.
• Check on your elderly neighbors as you would in the winter months.
• Do not leave children or pets in the car unattended EVEN FOR A MINUTE!

6/18/2010 Related story: Deadly Dangers Of Oklahoma's Summer Heat

There are cooling stations open in the Tulsa area because of this heat wave.

The Salvation Army Center of Hope
102 N. Denver Ave.
24/7

Tulsa County Social Services Cooling station
2401 Charles Page Blvd.
8:30 am – 8:30 pm

Dennis R. Neill Equality Center
621 East 4th Street
3 pm to 9 pm Monday through Saturday

Symptoms of heat exhaustion include:

• being dizzy, tired or weak
• fainting spells
• getting flushed
• heavy sweating
• fast heartbeat

Paramedics recommend calling 911 if these systems persist for about an hour after someone moves into a cool place.