Excessive Heat Warning extended for Phoenix area through July 28
An Excessive Heat Warning has been extended for the Valley as temps remain in the 110s this week, according to the National Weather Service.
The warning, according to NWS officials, is now set to expire at 8:00 p.m. on July 28. In Northern Arizona, an Excessive Heat Warning has been issued for parts of the Grand Canyon Country with elevation below 4,000 feet. The warning, according to NWS officials, includes Grand Canyon Village, Supai, and the North Rim, and it lasts until July 30.
Officials said in the area, daytime temperatures ranging from 102F to 114F can be expected.
The warnings have been issued amid an ongoing heat wave in Arizona. On July 18, NWS says Phoenix reached 118°F, tying the record for the hottest day so far in 2023.
Phoenix officials using city bus as cooling center
Extreme Heat: Bus used as cooling center
The Phoenix area has seen over 20 consecutive days of temperatures above 110F, as of July 24, and the ongoing excessive heat is dangerous for those who have nowhere to go to escape the heat. With that city, city officials are using a city bus to bring cooling to those in need. FOX 10's Nicole Garcia reports.
For over 20 consecutive days, Phoenix residents have been dealing with temperatures above 110°F, and the heat wave is especially dangerous for those who have nowhere else to go to escape the heat.
City officials, meanwhile, are now utilizing a city bus as a cooling center in order to help the homeless.
"People can get water and cooling towel and sit on the bus until about 7 o'clock tonight," said Michelle Litwin with the City of Phoenix Office of Heat Response and Mitigation.
The bus is parked near 10th Avenue and Jackson in Downtown Phoenix. Officials said the spot was picked because data shows the area has produced the highest volume of heat-related 911 calls since the start of the current heatwave.
"We keep seeing the extreme warning being pushed out and pushed out, so we're working on a daily basis, minute by minute, trying to account for how hot it is, and making adjustments, like bringing out cool buses, and work with our heat relief partners to extend hours, and being as adaptive as possible," said Litwin.
The nearby Human Services Campus provides 900 beds, and fills up daily. Outside, more than 1,000 people who couldn’t secure a bed sleep on searing sidewalks in makeshift dwellings.
"People don't get a chance to cool off overnight. There's no place outside where the temperature is dropping below 90F," said Amy Schwabenlender, Executive Director of Human Services Campus. "There's been no rain. The wind, if it blows, is hot. What all of us who work here are most concerned about is how do we help people survive through this."
As of July 24, NWS forecasts call for the intense heatwave to end on Sunday.
Some call for more resources, new laws
As the stretch of extreme heat continues, officials with the Arizona Faith Network say they recognize the severity of the problem, and they are addressing their concerns with political leaders.
"These facilities are saving lives," said Arene Rishdan with the Arizona Faith Network, referring to cooling centers that those experiencing homelessness are using during the heat wave.
"It feels good to be out of the hot sun," said Melinda Valenzuela. "You can be in the AC where you can keep cool, and not go and have a heat stroke and stuff like that. I like it for those purposes."
Not all cooling centers are open 24/7, however, and for those who are at cooling centers that are only open during business hours, they have to go back out in the heat when the center closes.
"I don't have a place to go after five, so I usually go to the library, where it's shady, or find another place that's shady, if I'm lucky," said Valenzuela.
"There is certainly a recognition that there is opportunity to add more hours, particularly extend hours in the morning and early evenings. Weekends remain a challenge for the network as well and adding more locations is a priority," said David Hondula, the Chief Heat Officer for the City of Phoenix.
Two state lawmakers who toured similar facilities across the Phoenix area say this is more than a typical Arizona summer, and more sustainable structures need to be provided.
"We need to do more. Government has a role in this, and as a state representative, I'm prepared to advocate for a sustainable funding source, both for the short term and the long term," said State Rep. Judy Schwiebert. The Democratic state lawmaker represents the state's 2nd Legislative District, which covers portions of North Phoenix.
State Rep. Patty Contreras also spoke out on the need for more resources.
"I stand with Congressman [Ruben] Gallego and other bipartisan members of Congress in calling for the immediate passage of the Extreme Heat Emergency Act to add extreme heat to the FEMA list of major disaster qualifying events," said State Rep. Contreras. The Democratic state lawmaker represents the state's 12th Legislative District, which covers Ahwatukee, as well as parts of Chandler and Tempe, along with a portion of the Gila River Indian Community. "This would allow Governor Hobbs to declare this unprecedented heat a major disaster, and provide funding to help mitigate this emergency."
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Phoenix has just one 24/7 heat relief center
Several heat relief centers are set up across Phoenix, but only one is open 24 hours a day, and seven days a week. The all-night center is located at 28th and Washington Streets. It can serve up to 200 people at a time. You can also dial 211 on your phone for a free ride from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Satellite and radar map
The following heat safety information was provided by the Scottsdale Fire Department.
What are Heat Emergencies?
Heat Cramps: Profuse sweating, fatigue, extreme thirst, muscle cramps
Heat Exhaustion: Headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea/vomit, Cool/moist skin
Heat Stroke: Elevated temp. +103degrees, confusion/irrational behavior, dry/hot skin, rapid shallow breathing, rapid weak pulse (shock), seizures, unconscious
What to do
- Get person into shade or cool location
- Cool person with cool, wet cloths (neck, groin, armpits, head) and fan body
- Sip cool water if person is alert
- For muscle cramps, massage muscles gently, but firmly until relaxed
- *If symptoms worsen, call 911
What not to do
- Do not give anything by mouth if person is vomiting, unable to swallow or unconscious
- Do not underestimate the seriousness of a heat emergency
- Prevention/Preparation for hike/exercise in heat
Know your limitations
- Hydrate (begins day prior to hike/exercise, hour before hike, during and after)
- Wear proper clothing, lightweight and light color, protect head, proper shoes
- Always carry a cell phone and best to hike with company
- Always tell someone where you are hiking and when to plan to return
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
- Find a cooling center/hydration station
- 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
- Check the UV Index
- Check the heat risk map
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.