Arizona weather forecast: Phoenix faces extreme heat after morning storms

PHOENIX - Skies cleared out in the Valley after morning showers and thunderstorms moved through, and temperatures climbed back to around 106 degrees.

Tuesday Night, Wednesday:

Showers and storms continued in the High Country, with a few severe storms and flash floods. Storms will end by around 8 p.m., leaving the night drier across Arizona.

A couple of spot showers will be possible around Gila Bend and Safford in the early morning.

The Valley will see dry, mostly sunny skies Wednesday. Mountain storms will develop by midday, and storms will move northward throughout the afternoon and evening. Severe wind gusts and flash floods will be possible.

Meanwhile, temperatures will be heating up. Temperatures will warm to around 111 in Phoenix on Wednesday. 

Looking Ahead:

Rain chances will lower Thursday through the weekend, with isolated storms only possible along the eastern Mogollon Rim, White Mountains and southeast AZ. 

Extreme heat warnings are in effect for the Valley through Sunday. More extreme heat warnings will begin across AZ on Thursday and Friday, continuing through the weekend.

Temperatures will only turn hotter by this weekend, with 115 to 116 in the Valley, which could tie or break record highs. Even spots like Sedona and Prescott will warm to around 100 degrees and higher this weekend.

Heat Relief Stations:

Officials with the Salvation Army in Phoenix say they have 9 heat relief stations across the Valley that will be open from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on any weekdays when the National Weather Service has issued an Excessive Heat Warning, during the months of May through September.

The heat relief stations are:

• Apache Junction - Apache Junction Corps at 605 E. Broadway Ave.
• Avondale - Estrella Mountain Corps at 11 N. Third Avenue
• Glendale - Glendale Corps at 6010 W. Northern Avenue
• Mesa - Mesa Corps at 241 E. Sixth Street
• Phoenix - Phoenix Citadel Corps at 628 N. 3rd Avenue
• Phoenix - Phoenix Maryvale Corps at 4318 W. Clarendon Avenue
• Phoenix - Ray & Joan Kroc Center Phoenix at 1375 E. Broadway Road
• Phoenix - The Salvation Army Warren Ledbetter Service Center at 2702 E. Washington Street
• Surprise - North West Valley Corps at 17420 N. Avenue of the Arts Boulevard

In addition, Salvation Army officials say they have a heat respite center at 85 E. Saragosa Street in Chandler that is open from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. from Monday to Saturday, and during the same hours on Sundays when an Excessive Heat Warning is in effect.

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)

Rain/flood safety tips

The American Red Cross' tips for heavy rain situations and flood safety:

• Turn around don’t drown! If you must drive and you encounter a flooded roadway, turn around and go another way.
• If you are caught on a flooded road and waters are rising rapidly around you, get out of the car quickly and move to higher ground.
• Tune in to your local radio, NOAA radio, or news channels for the latest updates.
• If your neighborhood is prone to flooding, be prepared to evacuate quickly.
• Follow evacuation orders and do not attempt to return until officials say it is safe.
• If power lines are down, do not step in puddles or standing water.
• If power is out, use a flashlight. Do not use any open flame as alternate lighting.

 

Preparing for a severe thunderstorm 

The American Red Cross' tips for preparing for a severe thunderstorm:

• Put together an emergency kit.
• Know your community’s evacuation plan.
• Create a household disaster plan and practice it.
• Purchase a battery-powered or hand-crank radio
• Discuss thunderstorm safety with members of your household. Be aware that a thunderstorm could produce flooding.
• Pick a safe place in your home for household members to gather during a thunderstorm. This should be a place where there are no windows, skylights, or glass doors, which could be broken by strong winds or hail and cause damage or injury.

Be prepared and stay safe during the monsoon

"Most Valley residents know how quickly and furiously storms can move in and out, bringing strong winds, dust, rain, and flash flooding. These storms can cause interruptions in services, such as water, power, and gas," stated Captain Ashley Losch of the Glendale Fire Department.

GFD reminds residents of ways they can be prepared and stay safe:

• Have flashlights with extra batteries on hand.
• Have food that can be prepared without the need for cooking or refrigeration.
• Have at least one gallon of clean water for each person in the household.
• Have backup power for anyone requiring power for a medical device.
• Have backup power for cell phones that do not require charging.
• Have a first aid kit ready and accessible.
• Never drive into areas with flowing water; it takes less than 10 inches to wash a car away.
• Avoid flooded areas, such as washes.
• If waters are rising, seek higher ground.
• Do not approach downed power lines, the ground can be energized for up to 200 feet.
• Keep pets indoors during storms.

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