Every year, Oklahoma’s summer heat poses a health risk, and 2025 is no exception.
Before August, Oklahoma City’s heat index is probably going to reach 100 degrees multiple times. What it “feels like” outside is represented by the heat index, which is a measurement of temperature and humidity.
The National Weather Service predicts that eastern Oklahoma will be even hotter, with daily maximum heat index values of over 100 degrees in almost every area.
Due to the OKC heat wave, dozens sought medical assistance.
A number of people have sought medical assistance due to the summer heat. According to The Oklahoman, EMSA, the ambulance service provider, has responded to 54 calls for heat-related illnesses in the OKC area so far in July 2025.
In the same time frame, 38 patients were admitted to the hospital.
EMSA reported responding to 65 calls for heat-related illness in July 2024, a year ago.
When heat poses a threat to one’s health
“Extreme caution” is advised by the National Weather Service when the heat index alone reaches 90 degrees. People who are exposed to extreme heat for extended periods of time or who engage in physical activity are at risk for heat exhaustion, cramps, or heat stroke.
The situation becomes more hazardous and there is a greater chance of developing serious medical conditions when the heat index is above 100 degrees.
Our bodies have systems in place to keep us cool and prevent overheating on a typical day. Sweating, for instance, lowers body temperature. However, on days with high temperatures and humidity, your body may become overloaded and unable to cool down quickly enough on its own.
Furthermore, the effects of heat are not limited to being outside in the sun. Vehicles and other unventilated areas can become lethal when heat is trapped inside with nowhere to escape.
Read Also: Pet Owners Urged to Take Precautions Ahead of Extreme Heat
What does heat stroke look like, and what is it?
According to the Cleveland Clinic, there are four primary categories of heat-related illnesses, ranging from the least severe to the most severe:
Tiny, itchy pimples on your skin are one of the symptoms of heat rash, which is brought on by perspiration becoming trapped beneath your skin. Usually, this is treatable at home.
Heat cramps: Also referred to as exercise-associated muscle cramps, these cramps typically occur in the arms, legs, or abdomen and may be linked to a slightly raised body temperature. After exerting yourself in the heat and perspiring a lot, heat cramps usually happen.
Before they cause a serious illness, cramps are an indication that you should cool down right away and take it easy for a few days.
Heat exhaustion: Get medical help right away. Heat exhaustion is a mild type of heat illness that can rapidly progress to heat stroke if left untreated. When you lose too much salt and/or water, you get heat exhaustion.
In addition to symptoms like headache, nausea, vomiting, and dizziness, a person suffering from heat exhaustion has a fever that is higher than 104 degrees.
Heat stroke: Get medical help right away. Heat stroke is a potentially fatal heat-related illness that occurs when your body temperature reaches abnormally high levels, typically above 104 degrees.
In addition to signs of brain dysfunction like confusion, altered behaviour, and slurred speech, the symptoms are similar to those of heat exhaustion. Being in the heat for an extended period of time or engaging in physical activity in the heat can cause heat stroke.
