Heat Warnings Issued As Temperatures Climb

Thursday, August 9th 2007, 12:03 pm

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- The National Weather Service issued a heat advisory Thursday for sections of central, northern and southeast Oklahoma as temperatures climbed back into the triple digits. Meanwhile, an excessive heat warning remains in effect for portions of eastern and northeastern Oklahoma, including Tulsa, where thousands of people gathered Thursday for the first round of the PGA Championship at Southern Hills Country Club.

Both the warning and the advisory were to remain in effect until Sunday.

"We're having very hot and humid days with little relief at night," said Daryl Williams, a forecaster with the National Weather Service in Norman. "Nighttime temperatures are only going to fall into the middle 70s, so there is very little time to cool down. That's when heat starts to get dangerous."

By Thursday afternoon, paramedics with the Emergency Medical Services Authority in Tulsa responded to 22 people at Southern Hills who showed signs of heat-related illness, including three who were transported to a hospital, spokeswoman Tina Wells said. During the tournament's three practice rounds, EMSA paramedics treated 28 people sickened by the heat.

Temperatures in the upper 90s and low triple digits, combined with high humidity, can lead to heat index readings between 105 to 110 degrees, Williams said.

"It's not going to get any better, and in fact it looks like it's going to get worse for the next couple of days as this high-pressure ridge drifts back toward us," he said.

For those who work outside, health officials recommend drinking lots of water before going outside, staying hydrated and taking frequent breaks while on the job.

"There's not a cloud in the sky around here right now, and it's miserably hot," said Matt Mattox, owner of Strong Foundations Concrete, who broke ground Thursday on a sidewalk project in Norman.

Mattox said he tries to start working early in the day, but that it's difficult to take breaks once he and his crew start pouring concrete.

"Concrete will harden in the heat, so we have to get it done fast, work quicker," Mattox said. "Once we get started pouring this concrete, it's going to be miserable. Everyone is going to hate me."

For more information on heat related illnesses, including symptoms and treatments, click here.