Arizona weather forecast: Phoenix weather cooling trend brings wind and high fire danger this weekend
Phoenix weather cooldown brings high fire danger
A new weather system lowers weekend temperatures in Phoenix but raises wildfire risks across Arizona due to high winds.
PHOENIX - After an unusually warm start to the week, the region is wrapping up the week with "cooler" temperatures this weekend. Phoenix hit a high of 98 degrees on Friday, which is just four degrees above normal.
The weekend:
Saturday will bring a high of around 99 degrees, with Sunday sitting at around 94 degrees. Monday will drop even more with a high of around 92 degrees. Temperatures will be slightly below average during this "cool down."
Winds will pick up across the state with the passage of the next weather system. Wind gusts will be up to 45 mph in the high country and up to 25 mph in Phoenix.
There will be high fire danger this weekend with dry conditions and strong winds. Red flag warnings are in place for various parts of the state, including southern Gila County and the Tonto National Forest.
A wind advisory is also in place for portions of Imperial County beginning Saturday afternoon and expiring on Sunday night. Westerly winds will range from 25 to 35 mph with wind gusts potentially reaching up to 55 mph.
It will be dry and warm this weekend and for the extended forecast, with temperatures in the 90s and low triple digits.
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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.
Road Conditions
- Call 511 anywhere in Arizona or 1-888-411-ROAD (7623)
The Source: Information for this article was gathered by the FOX 10 Weather Experts.