NWS: Phoenix has reached 115°F, ties record set in 1974

7PM Weather Forecast - 6/16/2021

Brace yourselves! We can expect temperatures in the 110s for a few days.

PHOENIX - Officials with the National Weather Service say Phoenix has once again tied a high temperature record that was set in 1974.

According to a tweet, Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport hit 115°F during the afternoon hours. This comes one day after another the Valley tied another high temperature record.

This record-tying heat comes as an Excessive Heat Warning has been issued for various parts of Arizona.

Church offering respite from heat

Valley church offering heat respite for those in need

Grace Lutheran Church in Downtown Phoenix is offering water, electrolytes and other items, in an effort help the city's homeless population survive the scorching summer heat. FOX 10's Bailey Miller reports.

For some in Arizona, the extreme heat can be deadly, since they may have no place to go to escape from it. That is why a Valley church is working to make sure no lives among the homeless population is lost during the summer months.

"It’s kept us going because neither one of us is working at the moment," said Pamela, who has been homeless on and off for nine years.

On a day when temperatures reach 115°F, she has to find refuge.

"We come in the morning, and we stay the majority of the day," said Pamela.

At Grace Lutheran in Downtown Phoenix, they provide misters, shade, water, electrolytes, and bagged lunches for people in need.

"When you don’t have that balance of water and electrolytes, you experience heat exhaustion, and that’s fatal," said Pastor Sarah Stadler. "We know because of last summer many places people found refuge were closed, that many more people died than usual. It's vital."

Due to lingering effects from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Grace Lutheran can't hold its heat respite indoors, but for Pamela, she is thankful she has somewhere to go at all.

"We just survive through the day," said Pamela.

The church is taking donations such as water, electrolytes, snacks, and even men's clothing and shoes. They also are looking for volunteers to help.

Grace Lutheran Church

https://www.graceinthecity.com/

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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