MULHALL, Okla. (AP) — The continuing heat wave is making life difficult for elderly residents in rural towns in Oklahoma and other states in the Great Plains. Many elderly live in towns where there are no longer grocery stores or doctor's offices. But they are increasingly afraid to go outside during the day, and are cancelling doctor's appointments and trips to shop for food. Marlene Snow, who delivers meals to homebound residents across Logan County, said she worries about older people who live alone and are hunkered down in their houses.
Temperatures have been over 100 degree for more than 30 days in a row in many parts of the state. The average high in June in Altus, in southwestern Oklahoma, was 105. Many communities have been virtual ghost towns for the last month.
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