Arizona weather forecast: Heat soars to 108; storm chances, humid weekend ahead
Rain chances are increasing for Arizona
FOX 10's Ashley Loaeza has the latest on Arizona's storm chances as the monsoon season begins in just days.
PHOENIX - Happy Thursday! It was a hot and dry day in the Valley with a chance for storms for some parts of the state in the coming days.
Today:
Phoenix hit a high of 108 degrees, which is 4 degrees above normal. An extreme heat warning will continue for lower elevations of the Grand Canyon for temperatures ranging from 103 to 110 degrees in surrounding areas. The warning expires at 8 p.m.
Rest of the Week, Weekend:
Temperatures will remain warm in the Valley with even hotter readings for the weekend. By Sunday, we could reach 110 degrees under a ridge of high pressure.
Tropical moisture from the south will move in Arizona bringing in rain for some parts of the state beginning Friday through Sunday.
Rain chances in the Valley will be low with the best chances happening in the high country and southwestern Arizona.
Main threats in the Valley will be lightning and gusty winds. It will also feel humid with low pressure sitting to southwest and high pressure sitting to the southeast. Overnight lows will be warm in the low 80s.
You can always 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.
Scroll down this page for satellite and radar, day planner, records, current temperatures, 10-day forecast, forecast highs, and recent rainfall totals, plus live video feeds.
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, and from the National Weather Service.