Excessive Heat Warning in effect for Phoenix area
PHOENIX - Officials with the National Weather Service say an Excessive Heat Warning is in effect for the Phoenix area.
According to a statement, officials with the NWS Office in Phoenix say the warning is in effect for various cities in the Valley, including Avondale, Buckeye, Chandler, Gilbert, Glendale, Mesa, Phoenix, Sun City West, Tempe and Queen Creek.
In addition, an Excessive Heat Warning is also in effect for the Tonto Basin area, including San Carlos and Globe/Miami. Both Excessive Heat Warnings are set to expire at 8:00 p.m. on August 10.
"An Excessive Heat Warning means that a period of very hot temperatures, even by local standards, will occur. Actions should be taken to lessen the impact of the extreme heat," read a portion of the warning.
It has been a hot summer so far, with the National Weather Service saying that Phoenix has seen 34 days where the high was over 110° in 2020, breaking the previous record of 33 days set back in 2011.
July 2020 was the hottest month on record for Phoenix with an average temperature of 99°F, breaking the old record set in July 2009, according to NWS.
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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