Okmulgee residents and visitors are being urged to take extra precautions this week as a dangerous and persistent heat wave takes hold across much of the eastern United States, including Oklahoma. With the annual Muscogee Nation Festival kicking off on Thursday and many outdoor activities underway, area health and emergency officials stress the importance of staying safe in extreme temperatures. A potent heat dome has locked in high pressure over the region, resulting in the hottest weather of the year so far. Temperatures are expected to hover in the low to mid-90s, with humidity making conditions feel even more oppressive. Overnight lows in the 70s will offer little relief, and the stag- nant air could lead to poor air quality. Meteorologists attribute the sweltering conditions to a “heat dome,” a phenomenon where a high-pressure system traps heat and moisture in the atmosphere. With no significant movement in the weather pattern expected through the weekend, residents can anticipate several consecutive days of intense heat. Whether you are attending the Muscogee Nation Festival or engaged in other outdoor activities such as sports, yard work, or events, please exercise caution to avoid heat-related illness. --- 7-Day Forecast for Okmulgee • Wednesday: Sunny, high near 91°F. Light wind from the south around 5 mph. Night: Mostly clear, low around 73°F. • Thursday: Sunny again, high near 91°F. South wind 5-10 mph. Night: Mostly clear, low near 73°F. • Friday: Mostly sunny, high near 92°F. Night: Partly cloudy, low near 73°F. • Saturday: Mostly sunny and hotter, high near 94°F. Night: Clear, low around 74°F. • Sunday: Sunny, high near 94°F. Night: Partly cloudy, low near 74°F. • Monday: A 30% chance of showers or storms. Mostly sunny, high near 92°F. --- Safety Tips for Extreme Heat The American Red Cross recommends three basic actions to stay safe: stay hydrated, stay cool and stay connected. Here are steps you can take to protect yourself and others: Stay Hydrated • Drink a cup of water every hour, even if you don’t feel thirsty. • Avoid sugary, caffeinated, or alcoholic beverages, which can lead to dehydration. • Babies should be breast-fed or bottle-fed frequently. Fewer wet diapers or dark urine can be early signs of dehydration. Stay Cool • Spend time in air-conditioned environments. If your home is too warm, go to a library, shopping center, or designated cooling center. • Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing in light colors. • Use cool showers or baths to help lower body temperature. • Avoid strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day, typically between noon and 5 p.m. Stay Connected • Check on family, neighbors and friends, especially older adults or those with health conditions. • Make sure pets have access to shade and fresh water. • Never leave children or animals in a parked car. Temperatures inside a vehicle can rise to life-threatening levels in just minutes. --- Heat Illness: Warning Signs and What to Do Extreme heat can overwhelm the body’s natural ability to cool itself, leading to dangerous conditions if not addressed quickly. Heat Cramps • Symptoms: Heavy sweating, muscle pain or spasms. • Response: Rest in a cool place, slowly sip water. Avoid activity until cramps stop. Seek help if they persist or if there are heart-related symptoms. Heat Exhaustion • Symptoms: Profuse sweating, fatigue, clammy skin, dizziness, headache, nausea or vomiting. • Response: Move to a cooler location, loosen clothing, place wet cloths on the body and slowly sip water. Seek medical help if symptoms worsen. Heat Stroke (Medical Emergency) • Symptoms: High body temperature, rapid heartbeat, confusion, loss of consciousness, hot and dry skin. • Response: Call 911. Move the person to a cool place, remove excess clothing and use wet cloths or a cool bath to bring down body temperature. Do not give fluids. --- Power Outages & Heat: What to Do Power outages during extreme heat can be especially dangerous. Prepare by: • Identifying nearby cooling centers or air-conditioned locations. • Keeping an ice-filled cooler on hand with food, water and medications. • Avoiding unnecessary opening of refrigerators or freezers to keep contents cool longer. • Using battery-powered fans and keeping extra water supplies available. --- Mobile Resources for Safety To help you stay informed and safe, download the Red Cross First Aid App and Emergency App, both available for free on Android and iOS. These apps offer first aid tips, real-time weather alerts and instructions on what to do in heat-related emergencies. --- Festival Preparedness Visitors are encouraged to: • Bring refillable water bottles and stay hydrated throughout the day. • Use sun protection such as wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses and sunscreen. • Take frequent breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas. • Watch for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke among others and act quickly if symptoms appear. --- Final Thoughts With the region in the grip of a widespread heat wave, now is the time to take proactive steps to stay safe. Whether you’re attending this week’s festival or simply running errands, spending time outdoors, or working in the sun, prepare accordingly. Extreme heat is not just uncomfortable - it can be dangerous. Hydrate often, limit time in direct sun and help others do the same. With the proper precautions, everyone can enjoy their summer safely, even in the face of record-breaking temperatures.