Heat wave to hit Oklahoma this week: Find cooling centers, utility assistance

Christopher Lane II, Oklahoman
Updated ·4 min read
7

The National Weather Service expects temperatures in Oklahoma to reach 103 degrees on Wednesday.

National Weather Service lead forecaster Bob Oravec told The Associated Press that a heat wave is spreading across the southern United States. 

“Going forward, that heat is going to expand ... north to Kansas City and the entire state of Oklahoma, into the Mississippi Valley ... to the far western Florida Panhandle and parts of western Alabama," while remaining over Texas, Oravec told the AP.

So far, medics have responded to 22 suspected heat-related illnesses and transported 13 patients to Oklahoma City hospitals since June 21, reports EMSA.

The EMSA Medical Heat Alert issued last week will remain in effect through Friday due to forecasted high temperatures in the Oklahoma City area.

No floaties, no problem: Kiddos can have fun in the sun at greater OKC splash pads

Heat warnings expected for much of the South

Oravec told The Associated Press that forecasters expect to record high temperatures around 110 degrees Fahrenheit in parts of western Texas on Monday and relief is not expected before the Fourth of July holiday.

The National Integrated Heat Health Information System reports more than 46 million people from west Texas and southeastern New Mexico to the western Florida Panhandle are currently under heat alerts. The NIHHIS is a joint project of the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

The heat wave, or heat dome, is the result of a dome of stationary high pressure with warm air combined with warmer than usual air in the Gulf of Mexico and heat from the sun that is nearly directly overhead, Texas state climatologist John Nielsen-Gammon said.

More: Thousands in Oklahoma still without power following 100 mph winds

A young boy of the Oklahoma Afterschool Network makes a splash in the water at the Northeast Community Pool in Oklahoma City.
A young boy of the Oklahoma Afterschool Network makes a splash in the water at the Northeast Community Pool in Oklahoma City.

Cooling centers located around OKC metro

Area libraries and businesses are offering cooling centers for residents to get out of the heat. OG&E offers a comprehensive list:

Edmond

  • Edmond Center, 3413 Wynn Drive.

  • Rankin YMCA, 1220 S Rankin St., Edmond.

  • Mitch Park YMCA, 2901 Marilyn Williams Drive, Edmond.

  • Edmond Library, 10 S Boulevard.

  • Edmond Daily Living Center, 3413 Wynn Drive.

Oklahoma City

  • Almonte Library, 2914 SW 59 St.

  • Southern Oaks Library, 6900 S Walker.

  • Capitol Hill Library, 327 SW 27 St.

  • Earlywine Park YMCA, 1801 S May Ave.

  • Wright Library, 101 Exchange Ave.

  • Homeless Alliance Day Shelter, 1724 NW Fourth St.

  • Edward L. Gaylord Downtown YMCA, 1 NW Fourth St.

  • Ralph Ellison Library, 2000 NE 23 St.

  • Ronald J. Norick Library Downtown, 3000 Park Ave.

  • Red Shield Dining Room, 1001 N Pennsylvania Ave.

  • Patience S. Latting Northwest Library, 5600 NW 122 St.

  • Belle Isle Library, 5500 N Villa Ave.

  • The Village Library, 10307 N Pennsylvania Ave.

  • Northside Branch YMCA, 10000 N Pennsylvania Ave.

  • Jones Library, 12900 E Britton Road.

  • Rockwell Plaza YMCA, 8300 Glade Ave.

Warr Acres

  • Warr Acres Library, 5901 NW 63 St.

Bethany

  • Bethany Branch YMCA, 3400 N Mueller Ave.

  • Bethany Daily Living Center, 3000 N Rockwell Ave.

Midwest City

  • Midwest City YMCA, 2817 N Woodcrest Drive.

  • Midwest City Senior Center, 8251 E Reno Ave.

Moore

  • Moore Sr. Citizens Center, 501 E Main.

Choctaw

  • Choctaw Library, 2525 Muzzy St.

Nicoma Park

  • Nicoma Park Library, 2240 Overholser Drive.

Norman

  • Food and Shelter, 201 Reed Ave.

More: Millions expected to suffer as heat dome expands beyond Texas this week: Graphics

A person sits beside fountains at the Myriad Botanical Gardens.
A person sits beside fountains at the Myriad Botanical Gardens.

Oklahomans can apply for utility assistance programs

Oklahomans can apply for LIHEAP, a federally funded program that provides financial assistance to approximately 182,000 Oklahoma low-income households each year to help them meet the cost of home energy.

Those hoping to participate in the summer cooling program are encouraged to apply online during the open enrollment period. Those seeking help may be asked to provide some verification documents to determine eligibility for utility assistance. The program is based on income and all adult individuals should provide a month's worth of income statements upon applying.

Native American households may apply through Oklahoma Human Services or through their tribal nation for LIHEAP. However, tribal households cannot receive assistance from both the Oklahoma Human Services and their tribe during the same federal fiscal year.

All applicants for the program should have the most recent heating bill information for their home and utility supplier, as well as their ID, Social Security number and verification of income.

Contributing: Ken Miller of The Associated Press

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Heat wave in USA expected to reach Oklahoma, bring triple-digit temps