Hot and humid holiday weekend in Oklahoma, National Weather Service projects

OKLAHOMA CITY — Amid fireworks, holiday parades and barbecues, the National Weather Service is encouraging Oklahomans to be mindful of extreme temperatures as they celebrate America’s 250th birthday.

The National Weather Service in Norman said it will be a hot and humid holiday weekend in Oklahoma, with temperatures on Saturday hitting the mid-to-upper 90s. Recent rainfall could make those temperatures feel even hotter, says National Weather Service meteorologist Max Ungar, with heat indices across the state projected in the low 100s.

The hottest temperatures are expected in the western and southwestern parts of the state. Ungar said it could reach between 100 and 102 degrees. But he said heat indices, which represent “feel-like” temperatures, are projected to be highest in Tulsa at 105 to 108 degrees.

He advises people going outside this weekend to use sunscreen, wear lightweight clothing, find shaded areas and stay hydrated.

Nighttime temperatures will not bring much relief, Ungar said, dropping only to the 70s and 80s. Northern Oklahoma could potentially see storms on Saturday evening, and there is a low chance of rain and scattered storms Sunday across the state.

The high temperatures come as a heatwave moves through the Central and Eastern U.S, the National Weather Service reports. 

Despite the intense heat, Ungar said temperatures are not expected to break any records. The hottest Independence Day, which was in 1996, saw temperatures in Oklahoma City hit 105 degrees.