NWS: Phoenix breaks record high set over a decade ago

PHOENIX - Officials with the National Weather Service say a new temperature record has been set in Phoenix on Aug. 28.

According to a post made by NWS' Phoenix office on X, a social media platform also known as Twitter, the official temperature in Phoenix reached 114°F as of 12:45 p.m., which is a degree higher than the 113°F record that was set in 2009.

By 3:48 p.m., Phoenix set a new record at 117°F.

On its website, officials with NWS say due to a strong high pressure, temperatures in many parts of Arizona will be 10 to 15 degrees above normal during the early part of this week. Low temperatures are forecast to range from the mid 80s and the upper 80s to the low 90s.

Meanwhile, an Excessive Heat Warning is in effect for the Phoenix area until 8:00 p.m. on Aug. 29.

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Arizona weather forecast

The latest look at this week's weather outlook.

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Heat Emergencies

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.

MORE: https://azdot.gov/about/transportation-safety/severe-weather