America's Preparedness Report Card 2015

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Oklahoma

Oklahoma Extreme Heat

Oklahoma already faces a high level of threat from extreme heat, but the state has taken strong action to address related risks. Although its increase in threat level by 2050 is projected to be modest, Oklahoma lags behind other states in preparing for future heat risks: it has taken little action to plan or implement adaptation strategies.

Threat

Action

For more information on how prepared Oklahoma is for its growing extreme heat threat, read the detailed state summary.

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Is Oklahoma Taking Action?

  • Oklahoma has extensive communication materials for residents on extreme heat event preparation, and addresses current heat risks in its State Standard Hazard Mitigation Plan
  • Oklahoma has published some information on its future heat risks and has dedicated some limited funding to address them
  • The state has not developed a statewide climate change adaptation plan nor has it conducted a heat-related vulnerability assessment

Did you know...

  • Currently, Oklahoma averages 50 days a year classified as dangerous or extremely dangerous, according to the NWS Heat Index. By 2050, Oklahoma is projected to see more than 90 such days annually, the fifth greatest number of danger days among the lower 48 states
  • Oklahoma has more than 120,000 people aged 65 and older, or less than 5 years old, living below the poverty line. These groups are considered to be especially vulnerable to extreme heat
  • By 2050, the typical number of heat wave days in Oklahoma is projected to rise from 15 to more than 50 days a year