Weekly swim report · August 21, 2026
Oklahoma swim report
On August 21, 2026 the warmest USGS water reading in Oklahoma was 86°F at Illinois River near Watts, OK; 8 water-related NWS hazards are active.
Warmest water
The 5 warmest of 17 sensors reporting a water temperature in Oklahoma today. Station names open the official monitoring page.
- #1Illinois River near Watts, OKUSGS gauge · 213 ft³/s86°F 30°C9 hrs ago
- #2North Canadian River at Britton Rd at OKC, OKUSGS gauge · 10 ft³/s84°F 29°C9 hrs ago
- #3Arkansas River at Tulsa, OKUSGS gauge · 10,200 ft³/s84°F 29°C9 hrs ago
- #4Kiamichi River near Big Cedar, OKUSGS gauge · 0 ft³/s84°F 29°C9 hrs ago
- #5Spavinaw Creek near Eucha, OKUSGS gauge · 111 ft³/s84°F 29°C8 hrs ago
Active hazards in Oklahoma
Alerts cover counties or forecast zones — an alert for an area does not mean every river or beach inside it is affected. Times are local to the issuing office.
- CautionExtreme Heat Warning
An Extreme Heat Warning is in effect for Kingfisher; Canadian; Grady; Stephens; Jefferson; Carter; Love; Marshall.
NWS Norman OK · until Aug 21, 9:00 PM
- CautionExtreme Heat Warning
An Extreme Heat Warning is in effect for Cotton; Clay.
NWS Norman OK · until Aug 21, 9:00 PM
- CautionHeat Advisory
A Heat Advisory is in effect for Western Osage; Northeast Osage.
NWS Tulsa OK · until Aug 21, 8:00 PM
- CautionHeat Advisory
A Heat Advisory is in effect for North and Central Sebastian; Southern Crawford; Central and Southern Franklin; Southern Sebastian; Washington; Nowata; Craig; Pawnee; Tulsa; Rogers; Mayes; Creek; Okmulgee; Wagoner; Cherokee; Muskogee; McIntosh; Haskell; Northern Sequoyah; Northern Le Flore; Central and Southern Sequoyah; Central Le Flore; Southeast Osage.
NWS Tulsa OK · until Aug 21, 8:00 PM
- CautionHeat Advisory
A Heat Advisory is in effect for Woods; Alfalfa; Grant; Kay; Woodward; Major; Garfield; Noble; Roger Mills; Dewey; Custer; Blaine; Payne; Beckham; Washita; Caddo; Greer; Kiowa; Comanche.
NWS Norman OK · until Aug 21, 9:00 PM
- CautionHeat Advisory
A Heat Advisory is in effect for Logan.
NWS Norman OK · until Aug 21, 9:00 PM
- CautionHeat Advisory
A Heat Advisory is in effect for Harmon; Jackson; Tillman; Hardeman; Foard; Wilbarger; Wichita; Knox; Baylor; Archer.
NWS Norman OK · until Aug 21, 9:00 PM
- CautionHeat Advisory
A Heat Advisory is in effect for Sevier; Howard; Little River; Hempstead; Nevada; Miller; Lafayette; McCurtain; Red River; Bowie; Franklin; Titus; Camp; Morris; Cass.
NWS Shreveport LA · until Aug 22, 8:00 PM
Where to swim in Oklahoma
The most-reviewed, well-rated water destinations in Oklahoma — check each one’s live conditions before you go.
4.5(1,761)Arkansas River
The sixth-longest river in the United States at 1,469 miles, the Arkansas River flows from the Rocky Mountains near Leadville, Colorado through Kansas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas to meet the Mississippi. The upper Colorado stretch offers premier whitewater rafting through Brown's Canyon and the Royal Gorge, plus Gold Medal trout fishing. The 445-mile McClellan-Kerr Navigation System in Oklahoma and Arkansas supports commercial barge traffic and recreation. The river drains nearly 170,000 square miles across its course.
4.7(887)Eufaula Lake
Large lake offering boating, swimming & fishing, plus campsites & a marina with watercraft rentals.
4.6(757)Lake Ponca Park
Park with a playground, disc-golf course & enclosed fishing dock, plus picnic tables & a swim beach.
4.7(622)Lake Hefner
This reservoir lake with a lighthouse is popular for sailing, fishing & birdwatching.
Bernice Area at Grand Lake State Park
Best known for its crappie, this popular fishing site also has bass, sunfish, catfish & bluegill.
4.5(457)Lake Wister State Park
Lake Wister State Park is a 3,428-acre Oklahoma state park located in Le Flore County, Oklahoma. It is located near the city of Wister, Oklahoma. Lake Wister State Park, in southeast Oklahoma, is a gateway to the beautiful Ouachita National Forest. The park includes 7,300-acre Lake Wister with five camping areas.
Get this report every Thursday
The warmest water in Oklahoma and every state, active water hazards, and where to swim this weekend — once a week. No spam — unsubscribe anytime.
Conditions are for general information only and can change quickly. Always judge the water in person and follow posted advisories and local guidance before swimming or paddling.