Excessive Heat Warning in effect for 4 Arizona counties; Valley breaks temperature record

(Related Video) Noon Weather Forecast - 9/9/21

PHOENIX - An Excessive Heat Warning is in effect for four Arizona counties including the Phoenix metropolitan area, according to the National Weather Service.

The advisory goes into effect for the following counties:

Coconino County from Sept. 8 at 12 p.m. to Sept. 9 at 7 p.m.
Mohave County from Sept. 8 at 3 a.m. to Sept. 9 at 9 p.m.
La Paz, Maricopa County from Sept. 9 at 10 a.m. to Sept. 9 at 8 p.m.

Temperatures are expected to reach anywhere from 106° to 109° from Sun City West to Fountain Hills. Further north, in Mohave County, temperatures are expected to rise as high as 115°.

On Sept. 9, officials with the National Weather Service's Phoenix office say temperatures at Sky Harbor reached 111°F during the afternoon hours. The previous record, 110°F, was set in 1990.

Hiking trails on Camelback Mountain and Piestewa Peak will be restricted from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Additionally, an Air Quality Alert has been issued across Maricopa County through Thursday.

Preventing heat exhaustion/heat stroke

The Arizona Department of Health Services stated the following precautions can be taken to prevent heat exhaustion or heat stroke:

Stay in air-conditioned buildings
Limit outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day (mid-day)
Check on at-risk friends, family, and neighbors at least twice a day
Drink water before, during, and after working or exercising outside

Driving in extreme temperatures

The Arizona Department of Transportation’s tips for driving in extreme temperatures include:

Have sun protection: In addition to an umbrella, take sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat and wear loose-fitting, light-colored cotton clothing.

Fuel up: Keep your tank at three-quarters full. Running out of gas, especially in a remote location, is dangerous in extreme heat.

Hydrate: Take a cooler to keep extra drinking water cold, and consider adding several frozen bottles of water to use for cooling off or to thaw and drink if needed. Make sure everyone, including pets, stays hydrated.

Get help: If your vehicle breaks down in extreme heat, call for assistance right away to reduce wait time, and run the AC. If the AC isn’t working, roll down all windows.

Wait safely: If the temperature inside your vehicle becomes too hot, everyone, including pets, should exit carefully and seek out or create a shaded area as far away from the travel lanes as possible. Be careful walking on the road surface, which can be hot enough to burn skin. Keep your shoes on and try to keep your pets’ paws off the pavement. If you are stopped along the highway, raise the front hood and turn on hazard lights. Please keep in mind that parking in tall brush can start a fire.

Check your vehicle: You can help avoid breakdowns and blowouts by making sure your vehicle is in good operating condition. Check your air conditioner and coolant levels, top off any vital engine fluids and make sure your battery is up to par. Check your tire pressure, as the combination of under inflated tires and hot pavement can lead to a blowout.

MORE: https://azdot.gov/about/transportation-safety/severe-weather

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