NEWS

Oklahoma heat wave 2022: OKC hits 110 degrees, setting daily heat record

Oklahoman

A historic heat wave continued in Oklahoma Tuesday as emergency officials extended Oklahoma City's third heat alert of the year and climate experts reported record-breaking highs across the state.

Climatologists at Oklahoma Mesonet reported that all 120 sites in the state had recorded temperatures of 102 degrees or higher by Tuesday afternoon, a first in the network's history since its 1994 inception. The town of Walters was the first to hit 102 degrees at 10:20 a.m., with the rest following over a matter of hours.

Oklahoma City reached a high of 110 degrees Tuesday afternoon, surpassing a daily record high for 109 degrees that was set on July 19, 1936. While not quite the all-time high of 113 degrees, last seen in Oklahoma City on Aug. 3, 2012, it was close.

Oklahoma Mesonet, run by the Oklahoma Climatological Survey at the National Weather Center in Norman, reported Tuesday for the first time since it began 1994 that all 120 environmental monitoring sites throughout the state had reached temperatures at or above 102.

"This is the highest it's ever been for the month of July," said Erin Maxwell, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service in Norman. "We won't be receding from the triple digits, but at least right now, through the middle of next week we won't be as warm as we were (Tuesday)."

The National Weather Service announced overlapping "excessive heat warnings" for various Oklahoma counties Tuesday through Wednesday.

"Extreme heat and humidity will significantly increase the potential for heat related illnesses, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities," the weather service said. "Remember to take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. (...) Children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances!"

More:Oklahomans who need additional cooling assistance have help coming.

The Emergency Medical Services Authority once again extended its third heat alert of the year, originally issued on July 7.

Adam Paluka, chief public affairs officer for EMSA's Oklahoma City service area, said Tuesday evening the ambulance service had received eight heat-related illness calls and had transported seven people who needed emergency care for symptoms. Tuesday's cases had brought the total heat-related responses from medics since July 7 to 71, with a total of 51 patients transported.

"The heat alert will remain in effect until I send out an update announcing that it's over," Paluka said. "I encourage everyone to practice heat safety so we can prevent further heat-related illnesses out there."

More:Oklahoma City temps are high. Here's how to stay cool amid the historic heat wave

Meteorologists said temperatures should dip slightly by Wednesday, but no cooldown was in the forecast for the state.

"It looks like we're going to stay in the range of highs of 100 to 105 degrees for the next week and a half," Maxwell said. "But in terms of real relief from the heat, that doesn't look to be on the horizon any time soon."