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5AM Weather - 9/17/20
An Excessive Heat Warning is in effect today as we'll see a high near 108° in the Valley
PHOENIX - The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat warning for Sept. 17 in the Phoenix metropolitan area.
The heat warning also includes Yuma County and goes into effect at 10 a.m. and ends at 8 p.m.
In addition, the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality has issued a high pollution advisory for ozone.
Meteorologists said the Phoenix metro area is expected to see a high of 109 degrees, which would break the record for the date set in 1962.
Phoenix already has had the hottest meteorological summer on record.
Between June and August, meteorologists said Phoenix had 50 days with a high temperature of at least 110 degrees.
That topped the previous mark of 33 days set in 2011.
Salvation Army Heat Relief Stations
https://www.salvationarmyphoenix.org/extreme-heat-relief
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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