Excessive Heat Warning issued for 9 Arizona counties
PHOENIX - The National Weather Service has issued another Excessive Heat Warning for Arizona as near-record high temperatures are expected through parts of the state this weekend.
The warning affects the following counties:
- Gila (In effect from 10 a.m. Friday through 8 p.m. on Aug. 7)
- Graham (In effect from 10 a.m. Friday through 8 p.m. on Aug. 6)
- Greenlee (In effect from 10 a.m. Friday through 8 p.m. on Aug. 6)
- La Paz (In effect from 10 a.m. Saturday through 8 p.m. on Aug. 7)
- Maricopa (In effect from 10 a.m. Friday through 8 p.m. on Aug. 7)
- Pima (In effect from 10 a.m. Friday through 8 p.m. on Aug. 6)
- Pinal (In effect from 10 a.m. Friday through 8 p.m. on Aug. 7)
- Santa Cruz (In effect from 10 a.m. Friday through 8 p.m. on Aug. 6)
- Yuma (In effect from 10 a.m. Saturday through 8 p.m. on Aug. 7)
"Temperatures climb this week leading to Major-Extreme HeatRisk levels across much of southern AZ and portions of SE CA," the National Weather Service Phoenix tweeted.
Officials said in the area, daytime temperatures ranging from 110°F to 117°F can be expected.
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Where to find heat relief stations in the Phoenix area
Here's a list of heat relief stations open in the Phoenix area this weekend. Anyone can stop by to cool down during the extreme heat.
The latest warning comes days after Phoenix ended a 31-day streak of highs at or above 110 degrees. An Excessive Heat Warning issued by the National Weather Service in late June for the Phoenix area didn't end until July 28.
Heat-related deaths in Maricopa County
39 confirmed heat-related deaths in Maricopa County
Officials have confirmed 39 deaths related to the heat in Maricopa County. Three hundred and twelve are under investigation. This years heat deaths are close to where they were at this time last year when there were 42 confirmed deaths and 282 under investigation.
Health officials in Maricopa County have confirmed 39 heat-related deaths, with another 312 under investigation.
Latest Forecast
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.