Mercury Could Hit 112 Degrees Wednesday In OKC

LaShauna Sewell, News9.com

OKLAHOMA CITY – Cities across Oklahoma could tie or break record-high temperatures Wednesday.

The News 9 Weather Team says the temperature in Oklahoma City could hit 112 by the end of the day. The all-time record high for Oklahoma City was set on Aug. 11, 1936, when the temperature hit 113 degrees. The record high just for Aug. 3 in Oklahoma City is 103, and the News 9 Weather Team says we will easily shatter that record.

The heat wave has killed at least 11 Oklahomans this summer. The State Medical Examiner's Office says autopsies are pending on 11 other possible heat-related deaths.

8/2/11 Related Story: Heat Wave Kills 11 In Oklahoma

On Tuesday, Aug. 2, EMSA responded to 23 heat calls. That's just seven fewer calls than the all-time record. EMSA supervisor Colin Roy says the heat can take a toll on anyone, but the elderly and very young are the most at risk.

"They're not able to fend off the heat as well as the middle aged. So if you've got elderly parents or children, you really have to keep a closer eye on them," Roy said.

8/2/11 Related Story: EMSA Staying Busy Responding To Heat Related Calls In OKC

Dr. John Jennings says anxiety rises right along with the temperature.

"When you have individuals that don't have air conditioning, and don't partake of enough fluids, then the body can't cool itself," Dr. Jennings said.

And while some people may think there's no real difference between 105 and 110 degrees, Dr. Jennings says they're mistaken. The likelihood of becoming overheated increases the hotter it gets.

"When the core body temperature gets to 106 degrees it causes catastrophic problems."

American Red Cross Heat Wave Safety Checklist