40 Days of Fire: Tulsa’s Historic Heat Streak Continues
Tulsa’s 40-Day Heat Wave: What You Need to Know to Stay Safe
The Heat Just Won’t Quit
Imagine stepping outside and feeling like you just opened an oven door. That is what life has been like in Tulsa, Oklahoma, for over a month straight.
As of Friday, August 14, Tulsa has hit a triple-digit heat index for 40 days in a row. The streak started on July 5, and forecasters say the end is nowhere in sight. Meteorologists expect the extreme heat to stick around for at least another week.
IMPORTANT: What is the "Heat Index"?
The heat index is the "feels like" temperature. It combines the actual air temperature with humidity. When humidity is high, your sweat can’t evaporate to cool you down, so your body feels much hotter than the thermometer says.
By the Numbers: The Toll on the Community
This isn’t just uncomfortable—it is sending people to the hospital.
Emergency Calls (Since August 1)
- 50 heat-related 911 calls answered by EMSA
- 33 people transported to the hospital
Saint Francis Hospital Statistics
| Time Period | Patients Treated |
|---|---|
| Since June 1 | 106 (heat exposure complaints) |
| Single Day Peak (July 21) | 12 patients (High temp: 103°F) |
| Since July 1 | 92 (heat-related illness) |
A Doctor’s Advice: Dr. Michael Money Speaks Out
Dr. Money is an Emergency Room Physician at Saint Francis. While he hasn’t treated a classic "heat stroke" case this summer, he has seen plenty of people pass out from the heat.
His number one rule? Pre-hydrate.
The Hydration Rulebook
- Drink water every single day—don’t wait until you are thirsty.
- Water is the gold standard. It hydrates without extra stuff your body doesn’t need.
- Sports drinks (like Gatorade) are okay, but second best. They often contain a lot of sugar, which can actually slow down hydration.
PRO TIP: "Pre-Hydrate"
Think of your body like a car radiator. You fill it up before a long trip, not after the engine overheats. Drink water consistently the day before you plan to be in the heat.
Danger Signs: When to Go to the ER
Dr. Money says you should seek medical help immediately if you notice these symptoms in yourself or a loved one. These are signs of Heat Stroke, a life-threatening emergency.
The "ACT F.A.S.T." Warning Signs
- F – Confusion / Acting Strange: They seem "different," confused, or disoriented.
- A – Ailments: Nausea, vomiting, or severe headache.
- S – Sensation Changes: Lightheaded, dizzy, or feeling like you might faint.
- T – Temperature Regulation Failure: They stop sweating entirely. (This means the body’s cooling system has crashed).
Immediate First Aid Steps (While Waiting for Help)
If someone shows these signs, call 911 immediately, then:
- Move them to a cool, shaded area or air conditioning instantly.
- Cool them rapidly: Apply ice packs to neck, armpits, and groin; use cold wet towels.
- Immerse in a cool bath if possible (best method for rapid cooling).
- Do NOT give fluids if they are confused or unconscious (choking hazard).
The Official Alarm: EMSA Medical Heat Alert
EMSA (Emergency Medical Services Authority) doesn’t issue alerts lightly.
A "Medical Heat Alert" is triggered automatically when paramedics respond to 5 or more heat-related calls in a 24-hour period.
This alert tells the whole system—hospitals, first responders, and the public—that the heat has become a mass casualty risk factor.
Summary: Your Heat Survival Checklist
| Do This | Avoid This |
|---|---|
| Drink water all day, every day | Waiting until you’re thirsty |
| Check on neighbors/elderly | Leaving kids/pets in cars (ever!) |
| Limit outdoor activity to early AM/late PM | Relying only on sports drinks |
| Wear light, loose clothing | Ignoring dizziness or confusion |
| Know the signs of Heat Stroke | Pushing through "just a little longer" |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the difference between Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke?
Heat Exhaustion is the warning stage: heavy sweating, weakness, cold/clammy skin, nausea. You can usually treat this by moving to AC and drinking water. Heat Stroke is the emergency stage: body temp hits 103°F+, sweating stops, skin is hot/red/dry, confusion or unconsciousness. Heat Stroke requires 911 immediately.
2. Why is water better than Gatorade or soda?
Water is absorbed immediately. Sugary drinks (soda, juice, heavy sports drinks) pull water into your stomach/intestines to dilute the sugar, temporarily taking fluid away from your bloodstream where you need it. For extreme heat, water wins. If you exercise >1 hour, a diluted sports drink can help replace electrolytes.
3. Who is most at risk during a heat wave?
- Older adults (bodies don’t adjust to temp changes as well)
- Infants & young children (produce more body heat, sweat less)
- People with chronic illnesses (heart, lung, kidney disease)
- People on certain medications (diuretics, beta-blockers, antihistamines)
- Outdoor workers & athletes
4. Does a fan help if I don’t have AC?
Only if the air temp is below ~95°F. If it’s hotter than your body temp (98.6°F), a fan just blows hot air on you like a convection oven. Better: Go to a cooling center, library, mall, or friend’s house with AC. Cool showers/baths work better than fans in extreme heat.
5. How long will this heat wave last?
As of the report date (August 14), meteorologists predicted triple-digit heat indices for "just about all of next week." Since the streak began July 5, this could push the record toward 50+ consecutive days. Always check your local forecast for the latest updates.
FINAL THOUGHT: This heat isn’t just "summer in Oklahoma." 40 straight days of 100°+ heat index is historic and dangerous. Treat it like a winter blizzard: stay inside if you can, hydrate like it’s your job, and look out for each other.