Extreme Heat
What is an "Urban Heat Island"
Urban Heat Islands are areas with less shade or tree cover and more hard surfaces like concrete, asphalt and glass that concentrate heat and raise air and surface temperatures. These areas can be up to 7° hotter in the daytime and up to 5° degrees hotter at night than shady areas.
Figure credit: ©Heat Island Group, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
Heat Mapping Campaign
Oklahoma City was selected as one of eighteen communities worldwide for NOAA's Urban Heat Island Mapping Campaign in 2023. The project involved help from several community partners and "street scientists" who volunteered to measure air temperatures and air quality conditions.
Check out our campaign and results.
The image above shows temperature data points gathered in the morning, afternoon and evening of Aug. 12, 2023, during our Urban Heat Island Mapping Campaign.
Heat Health Resource Hub
We developed this resource center to tell the story of heat health in OKC with maps, charts and resources on who is the most affected. The resource center has analysis of where and how to prioritize resources, such as planting trees, creating a buddy system for vulnerable people, and where to put Cooling Centers.
Visit the resource hub.
Protect Yourself from Extreme Heat
Cooling Centers
The City's Key to Home partnership has compiled a list of Cooling Centers(PDF, 129KB) and their hours of operation.
Identify your Symptoms
Do you know the difference between heat exhaustion and heat stroke? Use these infographics to quickly determine.
Download the Vietnamese graphic.
Athletes: are you at high risk?
Athletes are at risk of heat illness when they're outside during high temperatures, especially if they wear protective gear that traps heat. Children who play sports are also at high risk, because their bodies can't cool down as quickly as a healthy adult.
Get Your Local Heat Risk
Find out what your risk is this week based on your location. Click on the interactive map to move to your location and zoom in for details. The National Weather Service provides a Seven-Day Forecast using a color-coded guide showing potential risks of heat-related impacts.
OKC Office of Emergency Management monitors an interactive weather dashboard highlighting hazards, including Extreme Heat Watches and Extreme Heat Warnings. The dashboard is owned and maintained by the Regional Medical Response System (RMRS).
Electric Utility Bill Resources
Bill Assistance (LIHEAP)
Need help paying your electric bill so you can keep your A/C running? The LIHEAP program, or Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, provides funding for qualified applicants.
Visit the Oklahoma Department of Human Services to learn more about LIHEAP.
Law Against Electricity Disconnection During Extreme Heat
Electric utilities may not disconnect service if the heat index is 101° or hotter, according to the Oklahoma Corporation Commission. The OCC is a state agency and regulates public utility rates and service quality. Read more from the OCC about the rule and how it applies.