Heat Alert Lifted in Central Oklahoma

Staff and Wire Reports

OKLAHOMA CITY -- With less oppressive heat forecast in Oklahoma EMSA officials have lifted the Heat Alert in Central Oklahoma.

Temperatures remain in the upper 90s in the area, but a cool front that moved through parts of the state early Thursday has helped bring the humidity down.

Heat advisories and warnings remain in effect in the southeastern corner of the state where temperatures are expected above 100 degrees.

National Weather Service forecaster Daryl Williams in Norman calls the slightly cooler temperatures a "brief respite." Williams said highs are expected in the upper 90s again Friday and are to again reach 100 degrees or more by Sunday.

EMSA officials said Oklahomans should still continue to take precautions this week when going outdoors. They offer the following tips:

Safety tips:

• Light colored loose fitting clothing

• Consume plenty of non-alcoholic/non-caffeinated fluids, i.e. water, Gatorade, PowerAde, lemonade.

• Stay in air-conditioned areas when possible, i.e. libraries, malls, movie theaters

• Check on your elderly neighbors.

• Never leave children or pets in the car unattended. 

Call 911 if any symptoms of heat exhaustion or heat stroke arise. 

Symptoms of Heat Related Illnesses:

Heat Cramps (least serious, but not to be ignored)

What to look for

• Tightening in the muscles in the legs or other parts of the body. 

Heat Exhaustion (more serious and can lead to Heat Stroke)

What to look for

• Cool, moist, pale or flushed skin

• Heavy sweating

• Headache

• Nausea or vomiting

• Dizziness & exhaustion

• Body temperature may normal or may be rising 

Heat Stroke (the most serious, can be fatal)

What to look for

• Hot, red skin

• Rapid, weak pulse

• Rapid, shallow breathing

• Body temperature as high as 105 degrees

• Change in consciousness

This is the fourth heat alert to be lifted in the summer of 2010.