SerpApi.Org
Northeast Oklahoma is facing its hottest temperatures of the year so far, with an Excessive Heat Warning in effect July 21, 2026. Officials are warning people to limit time outside as temperatures climb into the triple digits and heat-related emergencies increase.
Families across the Tulsa area still found ways to enjoy the outdoors, but many said they had plans to stay hydrated and cool down quickly.
High temperatures reach 100-103 degrees
The National Weather Service forecast afternoon highs between 100 and 103 degrees across northeast Oklahoma, with heat index values expected to reach 110-120 degrees during peak heating hours.
An Extreme Heat Warning remains in effect until 8 p.m. July 21, 2026.
EMSA responds to 7 heat-related calls
EMSA says paramedics responded to seven suspected heat-related illness calls July 20 in the Tulsa service area and transported three patients to local hospitals as of 3 p.m.
EMSA issued its second Medical Heat Alert of 2026 after reaching its threshold of five or more heat-related illness calls in a 24-hour period.
94 heat-related calls reported in July
EMSA says it has responded to 94 heat-related illness calls in the Tulsa area during July 2026.
Of those calls, 61 patients were transported to local hospitals because of heat-related illness complications.
Families find ways to stay cool
Despite the heat, some families spent time outside with plans to avoid prolonged exposure.
Leon Brown brought his two daughters on a scavenger hunt and said they planned to stay outside only briefly before heading to the pool.
"We have a lot of water in the car. Ice water. So we make sure we stay hydrated. So no one passes out, and no one loses energy. So we're just going to be out here for a couple more minutes," Brown said.
Mora Velasquez said her family stopped for snow cones before returning home to the air conditioning.
"So we came to get some snow cones…It's so good. It's so refreshing. But we did also get water to stay hydrated," Velasquez said.
Why These Numbers Matter
Health officials say the combination of high temperatures and humidity can increase the risk of heat-related illness, especially for people spending extended periods outdoors.
EMSA recommends drinking water or electrolyte replacement drinks before and during outdoor activities, wearing light-colored clothing, taking shade breaks and checking on vulnerable neighbors.
What Comes Next
EMSA says its Medical Heat Alert will remain in effect until temperatures and heat-related emergency calls decrease significantly.
The National Weather Service says the Excessive Heat Warning will remain in place through the evening of July 21, 2026.
