Get ready for extremely hot weekend temperatures: The National Weather Service has issued an Excessive Heat Warning for eight Arizona counties from 10 a.m. Saturday through 8 p.m.
The eight counties include Pima, Pinal, Maricopa, Yuma, La Paz, most of Mojave and Yavapai, and parts of Coconino County.
The Bureau of Meteorology is forecasting extreme temperatures of up to 115 degrees Celsius in the Phoenix area.
“This weekend marks the start of the holiday season, and dangerously hot temperatures are expected,” said Matt Salerno, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service.
Salerno said temperatures could top 100 degrees Celsius every day until Tuesday and 110 degrees before noon.
Most of the Phoenix metropolitan area is expected to see highs of just above 110 degrees Celsius on Saturday. Temperatures across the valley will peak on Sunday, reaching 113-115 degrees Celsius, Salerno said.
Highs in the Phoenix area will stay around 113-115 degrees Celsius on Monday, with slightly cooler conditions on Independence Day Tuesday with highs around 108-112 degrees Celsius.
Temperatures are expected to cool slightly over the weekend in the southwestern part of the state, with highs of 104 to 118 degrees Celsius.
“This year will be the hottest temperatures ever,” Salerno said. “While you’re preparing for your vacation, be mindful of the heat and remember to stay hydrated whenever you go out.”
A high pollution warning was also issued for Phoenix this weekend from 9 a.m. Friday to Sunday.
During these extremely hot days, the National Weather Service advises citizens to stay out of the sun between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., use air conditioning if possible, stay hydrated, and stay light. We recommend wearing loose-fitting clothing. During these warnings, the general public is at a very high risk of heat stress and heat stroke.
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Federal climate data show that the Southwest has been noticeably hotter in the last decade. The region has endured the most significant warming in the country during this period, and federal meteorologists say the increase clearly reflects the effects of global warming.
In Phoenix and its surrounding areas, the developed area is noticeably hotter than the surrounding desert due to the urban “heat island” effect, where exposed asphalt, concrete and roofs absorb heat from the sun, increasing temperatures.
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hot weather tips
The Arizona Department of Health Services offers tips for preventing heat-related illnesses.
- Drink water: If you stay indoors all day, drink at least 2 liters of water per day. People who spend time outdoors should drink 1-2 liters per hour they are outdoors.
- Dress for the heat: Wear light, light-colored clothing. Always apply sunscreen to exposed skin. Wear a hat or use a parasol when outdoors.
- Eat small meals and eat more often. Avoid foods high in protein that increase metabolic heat.
- Monitor people at risk. Check your friends, family, and others for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
- slow down: Strenuous exercise should be done only during the coolest hours of the day, between 4am and 7am.
- Please stay indoors.
- Get a break: Take a break in a cool place when exercising outdoors on a hot day.
