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4 p.m. Weather Forecast - 9/16/24
We're feeling just as we should for this time of the year!
PHOENIX - Monday marked a warm start to the week in the Valley. We reached a high of 101°F, with the low being 83°F.
On Monday afternoon, parts of the Valley got a little bit of rain – one of those areas being Loop 101 and Shea Boulevard.
"Isolated showers and storms are developing across Maricopa County including the Phoenix Metro area. Expect brief downpours and a few lightning strikes with this activity as it quickly moves off to the NE," the National Weather Service in Phoenix said on X at 1:42 p.m.
In the high country, residents felt some pretty strong winds, which lowered their temps.
"Our Wind Advisory for much of northern AZ will be in effect until 7 PM MST tonight. Afterward, expect breezy conditions to linger across the higher elevations. This will help our low temps remain above freezing, compared to what's to come," NWS in Flagstaff said.
Cooler temps bring relief to some
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Phoenix area gets ready for temps below 100F
It has been a rather hot summer, as the Phoenix area broke a decades-long record for the longest 100-degree stretch. However, things are expected to cool down soon, and people say they are ready. FOX 10's Lauren Clark reports.
As temperatures begin to cool down, some are coming outside to enjoy the temperatures.
"I woke up and it was such a beautiful day," said ASU student Joslynn Espaza.
Espaza said she could feel the change in the air, with a trifecta of clouds, a breeze, and cooler temperatures. Others also appreciate the change in weather.
"We’re able to actually be outside and walk our dogs," said a person, identified only as ‘Sidney.’
Matt Salerno, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Phoenix, says cooler air is bringing a big break.
"We’re going to see highs, starting tomorrow, in the 90s, and the 90s are going to continue for the rest of the week and into the weekend," said Salerno.
As mentioned above, lower temperatures are a big deal for the Phoenix area, as the area has not seen a high temperature in the double digits since late May, over 110 days ago, as of Sept. 16.
"We are also going to see low temperatures cooling off as well, so we will see more cooler mornings. 70 degrees, even some 60s in the outlying areas of the metro," said Salerno.
Still, Salerno says people should hold back on celebrating too prematurely.
"It’s not out of the question," said Salerno. "We could see 100 degrees lasting into October, because the average last 100-degree day is October 5."
The latest date Phoenix has ever seen a 100-degree day during the season was October 27. That happened in 2016.
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. +103 degrees, 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.
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.