Excessive Heat Warning issued for Phoenix area through Aug. 17
An Excessive Heat Warning has been issued for parts of Arizona as near-record high temperatures are expected over the next couple of days, the National Weather Service said.
"Temperatures will ramp up across the region mid-week with highs approaching record levels. An Excessive Heat Warning is now in effect from Wednesday morning through Thursday evening. Please limit time spent outdoors to avoid heat related illness," NWS Phoenix tweeted.
The warning goes into effect at 10 a.m. Wednesday and lasts through 8 p.m. Thursday. It affects portions of La Paz, Maricopa, Pinal, and Yuma counties.
You can check the latest weather conditions by visiting the FOX 10 Phoenix weather page, or download the Free FOX 10 Weather app, which is available on Apple iOS and Android.
Latest Forecast
Phoenix hiking trails closed
Camelback Mountain and Piestewa Peak hiking trails will be closed when an Excessive Heat Warning is in effect between Aug. 16-17 in Phoenix. The trails will be closed from 11 a.m. through 5 p.m.
Latest updates
Satellite and radar image
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