Dangerous heat wave begins Tuesday

(TULSA, Okla.) Dangerous heat is expected Tuesday afternoon across portions of eastern OK, the beginning of what will be an extended heat wave through the end of the week. If you have to be outside during the heat of the day, take proper precautions to avoid heat-related illnesses. Remnants of TS "Barry" continue to lift slowly northeast, now more in the form of an elongated upper trough extending from the Arklatex into IL. A few showers and thunderstorms have formed early Tuesday morning within a mid level jet max over southeast OK which is forcing much more widespread heavy rainfall across parts of SW AR. This trend should continue through the morning, and additional storms are possible this afternoon within the instability axis setting up across southeast OK. Any storms that form in that are could become potentially strong. Otherwise the heat will be on for the next few days at least. Northerly flow around west side of tropical circulation has at least momentarily brought drier air into the area, but higher dew points to the south will begin to surge back into the area later Tuesday and with temperatures warming into the 90s across eastern OK, heat index values around 105 a good bet within existing Heat Advisory. Upper ridge will strengthen over the area the next few days with additional and more expansive heat headlines needed. Some locations will be near Excessive Heat Warning criteria Wed/Thu as it looks now. A potential for a boundary next week might at least bring temperatures back down to more reasonable levels. Forecast has been kept dry for now, but should this trend hold, some thunderstorm chances may need to be added into the forecast.