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An extended period of hot and dry weather has settled over the state with no signs of lifting soon, prompting the National Weather Service to issue its first heat advisory of the year in eastern and northeastern Oklahoma.

The hot weather arrived last week and intensified Sunday, the solstice and first official day of the season. Forecasters said the heat wave should remain in place for at least a week to 10 days before cooler temperatures and possible precipitation arrives.

The weather service issued a heat advisory each afternoon through at least Wednesday in Craig, Creek, Le Flore, Mayes, McIntosh, Muskogee, Nowata, Okfuskee, Okmulgee, Sequoyah, Wagoner and Washington counties. Heat advisories are issued when heat indices are expected to rise above 105 degrees and overnight lows aren't expected to dip below 75 degrees for at least two days.

The heat is expected to be worst in the Tulsa area, where the weather service issued an excessive heat warning until Tuesday and an excessive heat watch for Wednesday.

Officials urge residents to avoid prolonged physical activity outside when possible and drink plenty of water during the daytime heat. Authorities also ask residents to check on family, friends, neighbors and pets who may be vulnerable during heat waves, ensuring they have a cool area in their homes with working air conditioning or a fan.

Oklahoma City-area forecast

- Today: Sunny and hot. High near 98 with heat index values as high as 101. South-southwest winds 9 to 14 mph, gusting to 20 mph

- Tonight: Clear. Low around 74. South winds 7 to 13 mph.

- Tuesday: Sunny and hot. High near 100 with heat index values as high as 105. South-southeast winds 7 to 11 mph.

- Tuesday night: Clear. Low around 75. South-southeast winds 5 to 11 mph.