Tulsa’s 40-Day Inferno: Record Triple-Digit Heat Streak Continues
Tulsa’s Scorching Summer: 40 Days of Dangerous Heat and How to Stay Safe
What’s Happening in Tulsa?
Imagine stepping outside and feeling like you’re walking into a giant hair dryer—that’s what summer has felt like in Tulsa, Oklahoma lately. As of Friday, August 14, the city has hit a brutal milestone: 40 days in a row with a "triple-digit heat index."
What is "Heat Index"?
Think of it as the "feels like" temperature. It combines the actual air temperature with humidity (how much water is in the air). When humidity is high, sweat can’t evaporate off your skin as easily, so your body can’t cool down. That makes 95°F feel like 105°F or worse!
This streak started back on July 5 and hasn’t let up since.
The Numbers: How Bad Is It?
The heat isn’t just uncomfortable—it’s sending people to the hospital. Here’s what local emergency services are seeing:
EMSA (Emergency Medical Services Authority)
Since August 1 alone:
- 50 heat-related illness calls
- 33 people taken to the hospital
Saint Francis Hospital
Since June 1:
- 106 patients with heat exposure complaints
- 12 patients on just one day (July 21, when the high hit 103°F)
Since July 1: - 92 patients with heat-related illness
Expert Advice: Dr. Money’s Tips for Beating the Heat
Dr. Michael Money, an Emergency Room Physician at Saint Francis, says this kind of heat is typical for a Tulsa summer—but that doesn’t mean it’s safe. His #1 rule? Pre-hydrate every single day.
IMPORTANT: DRINK WATER BEFORE YOU’RE THIRSTY
Dr. Money says: "You’ve got to be drinking water. Gatorades are good, but really, they’re not the best thing. They have a lot of sugar in them too. So water is the best thing."
Translation: Don’t wait until you’re hot and sweaty to drink. Start hydrating today so your body is ready for tomorrow’s heat.
Warning Signs: When to Get Help
Heat illness can sneak up fast. Dr. Money says watch for these red flags in kids, family members, or yourself:
| Symptom | What It Might Mean |
|---|---|
| Confusion or acting "not like themselves" | Possible heat stroke – Call 911 or go to ER immediately |
| Nausea (feeling sick to stomach) | Heat exhaustion – Needs cooling down fast |
| Lightheaded or dizzy | Body struggling to regulate temperature |
| Feeling like you’ll pass out | Blood pressure dropping from heat |
| Stopped sweating altogether | DANGER – Body’s cooling system has failed |
CALL OUT: CONFUSION = MEDICAL EMERGENCY
If someone seems confused, disoriented, or "just not right," don’t wait. This is a classic sign of heat stroke, which can cause permanent damage or death if not treated immediately.
What to Do If Someone Gets Sick: 5 Steps to Cool Down Fast
If you spot the warning signs above, act quickly:
- Get them inside – Move to air conditioning or at least full shade immediately
- Apply cold – Use ice packs, cold wet towels, or a cool (not freezing) bath
- Hydrate slowly – Small sips of water if they’re awake and not vomiting
- Monitor closely – Watch for worsening symptoms (especially confusion)
- Call 911 or go to ER – If they’re confused, unconscious, or not improving within 15 minutes
Official Alerts: What They Mean
EMSA issued a "Medical Heat Alert" this week. Here’s what that actually means:
MEDICAL HEAT ALERT = 5+ heat emergency calls in 24 hours
When paramedics respond to five or more heat-related calls in a single day, EMSA declares this alert. It’s a public warning that heat danger is extremely high right now.
What’s Coming Next
Unfortunately, relief isn’t on the horizon. News On 6 meteorologists predict triple-digit heat for just about all of next week. The streak will likely continue well past 40 days.
Summary
- Tulsa has endured 40 consecutive days of 100°F+ heat index (since July 5)
- Hundreds have needed medical care for heat illness since June
- Water is your best defense – drink it before you’re hot, all day every day
- Confusion + heat = 911 immediately – don’t wait to see if it passes
- Medical Heat Alert is active – danger level is officially high
- More extreme heat forecasted – prepare for at least another week
FAQ: Your Heat Safety Questions Answered
Is Gatorade bad for you in the heat?
Not "bad," but water is better. Sports drinks have electrolytes (good!) but also lots of sugar (not great). For most people, water + a balanced meal replaces what you lose in sweat. Save Gatorade for intense exercise over an hour.
How much water should I drink daily in this heat?
Aim for 8–10 cups (64–80 oz) minimum, more if you’re outside. Don’t chug it all at once—sip steadily all day. Your pee should be pale yellow, not dark.
Can you get heat stroke indoors?
Yes! If your home isn’t air-conditioned and temps stay above 90°F inside, your body can overheat—especially at night when it can’t recover. Fans help but don’t lower actual temperature.
Are kids and older adults more at risk?
Absolutely. Their bodies regulate temperature less efficiently. Check on elderly neighbors twice daily. Never leave kids in cars—even for "just a minute."
What’s the difference between heat exhaustion and heat stroke?
Heat exhaustion = heavy sweating, weakness, nausea, dizziness. Treatable at home with cooling.
Heat stroke = confusion, hot/dry skin (no sweat), unconsciousness. Life-threatening—call 911 instantly.