Rain chances may continue this week as temperatures rise

What is the forecast for Sunday?

A thermal ridge that advances into Green Country from the southwest reaches the region on Sunday, pushing temperatures into the near 90s.

Meteorologist Megan Gould expects a dry day on Sunday but chances increase as the work week progresses.

Over the next seven days, some areas could see two inches or so of rain.

The weather is not expected to be bad but there will be some scattered showers nearby. Slightly drier air will arrive behind the departing front Saturday afternoon bringing pleasant weather lasting Sunday into Monday.

Temperatures today will range from the upper 70s to lower 80s. A warm trend is likely on Sunday with highs in the mid 80s.

These warmer conditions are expected for the first part of next week as rain and storm chances return based on the pattern shift observed in most of the data.

The upper airflow is already showing signs of a general shift toward the south in the west which may be indicative of the general trend of more active weather returning to the central and southern Plains. This shift occurs every year and triggers a battle between the seasons resulting in a “second” severe weather season. Obviously, severe weather can occur at any time during the year but is typically associated with the state during the spring and early fall.

In the near term, there will be a stronger flow aloft near the state by the middle and end of next week with enough upper air support to mention the threat of strong to severe storms based on the pattern. The actual chance for Tulsa and the surrounding area will remain a moderate chance through Tuesday and Wednesday night, and again on Friday. As we approach these periods, we will examine more high-resolution data that will reveal better confidence for any expected variables or changes.

Are Oklahomans losing an hour of light in September?

Oklahoma will see a decrease in daylight in September due to the Northern Hemisphere approaching the fall equinox, with the decrease initially being three minutes per day and then slowing to one minute per day at the winter solstice.

The trend of losing daylight continues until the clocks “fall back” on Sunday, November 5, 2023, at 2 a.m., and daylight saving time ends until March 2024.

This twice-yearly ritual has led some members of Congress to push to make daylight saving time permanent.

According to the Sleep Research Society, daylight saving time causes more light exposure in the evening, which delays melatonin production in the body.

This can lead to sleep loss, which is linked to obesity, heart disease, depression and stress.

Are allergies bad this time of year in Oklahoma?

Starting in mid-September, trees in central Oklahoma begin pollinating, according to the Oklahoma Allergy and Asthma Clinic.

This means that it is ragweed season and common species such as elm, oak, maple, birch, mulberry, juniper and others will be pollinating for a few weeks. Overall, the Oklahoma Allergy and Asthma Clinic says the season is too long.

The OAAC says ragweed pollination begins based on daylight hours and almost always begins when the days shorten around mid-August.

These weeds often continue to pollinate until a hard freeze occurs, usually by late November.

“These next few weeks of September are when temperatures often peak,” News On 6 meteorologist Stephen Nehrens said. “That’s when it becomes a problem.”

You can read more about allergy season in Oklahoma below.

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Meteorologist Travis Mayer

Meteorologist Stacia Knight

Meteorologist Alan Krohn

Meteorologist Stephen Nehrens

Meteorologist Aaron Reeves

Meteorologist Megan Gould

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On Wednesday (8/23), EMSA doctors responded to six heat-related sick calls and transported four (4) patients to hospitals in the Tulsa area. Since the heat medical alert was issued, EMSA doctors in Tulsa have responded to 29 suspected heat-related illness calls and transported a total of 24 patients to local hospitals.

The current EMSA Medical Heat Alert will remain in effect until Sunday.

EMSA doctors in Oklahoma City and Tulsa respond to more than 250 heat-related sick calls each summer. These calls can range from minor pains to severe cases of heat exhaustion such as a person losing consciousness.

EMSA issues a heat medical alert when there are five or more suspected heat-related illness calls in a 24-hour period, and the alert expires when there are fewer than 5 calls per day.

For more information about thermal safety, click here.

What are some ways Oklahomans can stay cool before temperatures rise this summer?

Don’t exercise intensely during the hottest times of the day, and wear light, loose clothing. Make sure to drink plenty of fluids to replace the fluids you lose through sweating. To keep cool, mist your skin with water and cover the windows with a blanket or sheet during the day.

What are the signs of heat exhaustion?

The Centers for Disease Control recommends that adults be aware of the signs of heat exhaustion, which can be: heavy sweating, cold, pale, clammy skin, rapid and weak pulse, nausea, vomiting, muscle cramps, fatigue, dizziness, headache, and fainting. If these symptoms appear, people should drink water, move to a cooler area, or take a cool bath. Finally, seek medical attention if symptoms persist for longer than an hour.

What are the signs of heatstroke?

The CDC defines the symptoms of heatstroke as: hot, red, dry, or clammy skin; Fast and strong pulse. headache; Dizziness; nausea; Confusion and fainting. If someone is experiencing these symptoms, call 911 immediately, and try to move the person to the shade or a cooler area. Try to lower your body temperature by using cool clothing.

How to protect children from heat stress and heat stroke

Parents and caregivers should be aware of the risks of heat exhaustion and heat stroke in young children and take precautions such as making them wear lightweight, light-colored clothing, using sunscreen, and staying hydrated. To keep cool, activities such as playing in water or shade should be encouraged, and a spray bottle can help increase comfort. Children with heatstroke may also have a high temperature or even have seizures.

For more information about heat exhaustion and heat stroke from the CDC, click here.

How do I keep my pet safe from extreme heat?

Pets are susceptible to dehydration and overheating in hot and humid weather. Owners should provide shady places for pets, limit exercise, and keep them indoors in extreme temperatures. Signs of overheating include excessive panting, increased heart and breathing rates, drooling, weakness, stupor, seizures, bloody diarrhea, and vomiting.

For more information on how to keep your pet safe, click here.

How to protect your skin from extreme heat

Stay hydrated throughout the day and provide your body with proper sleep. To protect your skin from damage, apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 every two hours. Make sure to wear protective clothing, use lip balm with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15, and avoid the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

For tips on skin safety, click here.

Cooling centers in Tulsa

Expo Square is located at 4145 E. 21st St., 405-744-1113, seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

John 3:16 Mission is located at 506 N. Cheyenne Avenue, 918-587-1186, seven days a week, 24 hours a day, and year-round.

Tulsa County Emergency Shelter 2401 Charles Page Boulevard, 918-896-5591, seven days a week, 24 hours a day, year-round.