Oklahoma City sets daily heat record Saturday; more 100 degree days on the way

Oklahoma City set a daily heat record Saturday hitting 107 degrees, and there doesn't appear to be any relief coming any time soon.

Temperatures are expected to remain at or above 100 degrees through the end of the week, according to the National Weather Service.

“There really is no relief in sight, NWS meteorologist Tom Bradshaw told the Associated Press. "There is some hint by the end of August, maybe Labor Day, high temperatures will begin to fall below 100. It’s possible to see 100-degree-plus temperatures through the first half of September, at least off and on.”

The NWS said "dangerously hot conditions" will persist in Oklahoma City with temperatures on Sunday expected to reach 104 degrees and heat index values topping out at around 107. Areas of southern Oklahoma stretching from Lawton to Durant are also expected to see heat indexes well over 110 degrees.

According to the NWS, "Extreme heat and humidity will significantly increase the potential for heat related illnesses, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities."

Here is a look at the forecasted temperatures for the next few days and the daily records:

• Sunday: Forecast – 103 degrees. Record – 105 degrees (set in 2011)

• Monday: Forecast – 102 degrees. Record – 105 degrees (set in 1911)

• Tuesday: Forecast -- 100 degrees. Record – 104 degrees (set in 1922)

An excessive heat warning is in place from south Texas, western Louisiana across Oklahoma, eastern Kansas and all of Missouri. Excessive heat warnings were also issued for parts of Arkansas, Kentucky, Minnesota, Nebraska, Illinois and Iowa.

“The most vulnerable people are at both ends of the age spectrum,” Penn State University Prof. W. Larry Kenney told The Times-Picayune/The New Orleans Advocate.

“So infants, because they’re really at the mercy of their parents to keep them cool and keep them well hydrated, are vulnerable to temperature extremes,” Kenney said. “And then people over the age of 65 are vulnerable. A lot of elderly don’t have access to places with air conditioning. And as we get older, our body is less able to tolerate those conditions of high heat and humidity.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports just 600 to 700 heat deaths annually in the United States, but experts say the mishmash of ways that more than 3,000 counties calculate heat deaths means we don’t really know how many people die in the U.S. each year.

What are the signs of heat exhaustion, heat stroke?

With temperatures expected to remain above 100 degrees this week, the NWS is warning residents to be aware of signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Signs of heat exhaustion include dizziness, thirst, heavy sweating, nausea and weakness. If you experience these symptoms, the NWS suggests moving to a cooler area, loosening clothing and drinking cool water.

More: Researchers and volunteers joined together to map extreme heat in OKC. What could it show?

The symptoms of heat stroke include confusion, dizziness and loss of consciousness. If someone you know experiences those symptoms, call 911, move the person to a cooler area, loosen clothing and remove extra layers and cool them with water or ice.

Where are there cooling centers in the Oklahoma City area?

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.

Contributing: The Associated Press

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: How hot will it be in Oklahoma City this week?