Dangerous Heat Index and Severe Weather On Tap for Oklahoma Tuesday

Summer has officially arrived in Oklahoma. The state has received its first dangerous heat index warning for the summer on Tuesday, June 17. Parts of Oklahoma are also expected to see severe weather Tuesday evening.

Dangerous heat index values are expected across Oklahoma on Tuesday afternoon. From noon to 8 p.m. Tuesday, parts of Oklahoma could see heat index values from 100 to 105 degrees. Oklahoma will be dangerously hot and humid Tuesday afternoon, and residents have been warned that prolonged exposure could lead to heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Those who are working outdoors or living without access to air conditioning are encouraged to drink plenty of water, take breaks from the sun and do strenuous outside work in the early morning and late evening. Oklahoma residents are also encouraged to not leave children or pets in cars.

Severe weather risk has increased for Oklahoma on Tuesday evening.

Along with the dangerous heat index, the severe weather is expected in Oklahoma on Tuesday. As of Tuesday morning, the National Weather Service in Norman indicated that the severe weather risk for Tuesday has increased.

One or more storm complexes are expected in Oklahoma between 5 p.m. Tuesday and 2 a.m. Wednesday. Hazards include tennis ball sized hail. 60 to 80 mile per hour wind gusts and a low risk for tornadoes.

More severe weather expected Wednesday.

Severe weather chances are expected to continue into Wednesday, June 18. Severe storms could start as early as noon Wednesday and chances will last through 11 p.m. that evening. Hazards include hail up to golf ball size and damaging wind gusts up to 70 miles per hour. There is a very low chance for tornadoes on Wednesday.

Above average temperatures expected to continue through the week.

It's going to be a while before Oklahomans see cooler temperatures again. Above average temperatures are expected to linger through the week. Friday and Saturday are expected to be the hottest days this week.