Arizona weather forecast: Excessive Heat Warning extended

4 p.m. Weather Forecast - 6/13/24

PHOENIX - On Thursday, Phoenix reached a high of 107, which is 3 degrees above our normal for this time of year.

The Excessive Heat Warning issued by the National Weather Service was extended to 8 p.m. on Sunday, June 16 for the Phoenix metro area and Maricopa County, plus portions of Gila and Pinal Counties.

In the High Country on Thursday, the National Weather Service in Flagstaff reported widespread rain and gusty to erratic winds.

Phoenix saw a little bit of rain on Thursday, too.

"Scattered high-based light showers & virga, capable of producing some drops on your windshield, continue to pass over South-Central AZ. An isolated lightning strike or flash cannot be ruled out. Activity will likely continue thru midnight before clearing," NWS of Phoenix said around 5 p.m. on Thursday.

Looking at the rest of the week in the Phoenix area, temperatures could top 111°F on Thursday, and 109°F on Friday. Over the weekend, highs could reach 110°F to 113°F on Saturday, and 107°F to 112°F for Sunday.

The monsoon season officially begins June 15.

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.

MORE: https://azdot.gov/about/transportation-safety/severe-weather

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