The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for Maricopa County effective June 20 at 3:33 PM. The warning will end June 20 at 4:15 PM.
The National Weather Service has also issued an extreme heat warning for Maricopa County effective June 20 at 12:26 p.m. The warning will end at 4 a.m. on June 21.
The Southwest has gotten significantly hotter over the past decade, according to federal climate data. The region has experienced the most significant warming in the nation over that period, and federal meteorologists say the increases clearly reflect the effects of global warming.
In Phoenix and the surrounding area, developed areas are much hotter than the surrounding desert due to the urban “heat island” effect, where exposed asphalt, concrete, and roofs absorb the sun's heat, causing temperatures to rise.
For the latest warnings and alerts, Weather forecast page.
Tips for driving in the rain
Arizona Department of Transportation Provided the following safety tips for driving in the rain::
- Before rain is expected, check your windshield wipers and replace them if necessary.
- Please turn on your headlights.
- Please slow down.
- Avoid sudden braking on wet roads.
- Create a “space cushion” between your car and the car in front of you.
- Avoid areas with standing water in driving lanes.
How to protect yourself from lightning
Here are some lightning safety tips from the National Weather Service:
- Keep an eye on the weather: if you see big blue clouds, also known as thunderclouds, go indoors, as these clouds mean a thunderstorm is approaching.
- Stay inside a building that has plumbing and wiring. When lightning strikes a building, it travels around the building and strikes the ground.
- Stay in your car. This protects you from lightning because the electricity passes through the structure of the car instead of hitting you.
- Stay away from open water. Boats on the water are likely the most visible objects and may be hit.
- Do not shower or take a bath. If lightning strikes pipes, it could be conducted into the bath or shower water.
- Don't use any electrical appliances with plugs or cords – wireless cell phones are fine, as is a laptop that's connected to Wi-Fi but not plugged in.
- Follow the 30-30 rule: If you hear thunder within 30 seconds of a lightning strike, it means a thunderstorm is on the way. Wait at least 30 minutes after you hear the last thunder, so the storm has enough time to move away or dissipate.
- You don't have to be near a storm to be struck by lightning. Lightning can easily travel more than 10 miles. In 2007, a lightning strike recorded in Oklahoma traveled almost 200 miles. If you hear thunder, take shelter.
- Don't take shelter under a tree, as if lightning strikes a tree, the ground charge from the lightning strike can be transferred to you.
- Stay away from close groups. If you're outdoors with friends or family during a thunderstorm, keep everyone apart. Keeping your distance will help reduce the number of people who get injured if lightning strikes.
People who know:What is the difference between heat stroke, heat exhaustion, and dehydration?
Hot weather tips
The Arizona Department of Health Services offers tips on preventing heatstroke.
- Drink water: If you're indoors all day, drink at least 2 liters of water per day. Anyone who spends time outdoors should drink 1-2 liters of water for every hour they're outdoors.
- Heat protection: Wear light, light-colored clothing. Always use sunscreen on exposed skin. Wear a hat or use an umbrella when outdoors.
- Eat small, frequent meals: Avoid high protein foods that increase metabolic heat.
- Monitor people at risk: Check friends, family and others for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
- Slow down: Only do vigorous exercise during the coolest hours of the day, between 4am and 7am
- Please stay indoors.
- Get a break: If you are exercising outdoors on a hot day, take breaks in a cool place.
This story was produced by The Arizona Republic and the USA TODAY Network using data released by the National Weather Service. Edited by staff.
