And while the monsoon rains are likely still a few weeks away, University of Arizona climate scientist Michael Crimmins said in a UA news release on Thursday that the heat will spur the arrival of the monsoon. He added that there are.

The Bureau of Meteorology is forecasting “dangerous heat,” with near-record temperatures in metropolitan areas such as Tucson, Green Valley, Marana and Vail.

Tucson International Airport, where the city’s official weather forecast is recorded, expects highs of 107°C to 112°C under clear skies.

The Bureau of Meteorology issued heat wave warnings on Sunday and Monday, and a less urgent extreme heat warning on Saturday and Tuesday.

“Extreme heat greatly increases the likelihood of heat-related illnesses, especially for those engaged in or participating in outdoor activities,” the report said.

“If you plan to be outdoors this weekend, drink plenty of water and take breaks. Remember, heat is the number one cause of weather-related deaths in Arizona.”

The Bureau of Meteorology is also reminding people to “check before locking” car doors to avoid accidentally leaving children or pets in a hot car.

Excessive heat warnings span a vast area from Tucson in southern Arizona to the California border in the west.

The monsoon season officially began on June 15, with no rain yet in the Tucson area, but there were sporadic showers and thunderstorms in Cochise County on Wednesday.

Climate models pointed out in a UA news release that rains will start later, resulting in a season where Tucson averages just under 5.5 inches of rain.

But for those expecting summer storms to set in soon, the heat is a good sign, Crimmins said.

“Moisture that causes monsoon rains typically comes in from the south, such as the Pacific Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico,” the UA release said. “Rising temperatures usually indicate that moisture may begin to move north.”

“Wildfire danger will continue to rise until it rains,” said the release, noting that the greenery that flourished after Arizona’s winter rains and snows continues to dry out, said Molly, a UA fire ecologist. Quoted from Hunter.

Six fires in Arizona have burned about 17,000 acres, the UA said, according to the National Interagency Fire Center.

“There are a lot of ignitions going on right now, but not that many areas are burning yet,” Hunter said. “We are entering a critical period and expect a lot of activity before the rains. We usually have a lot of thunder before the monsoons. And the wind is so strong that it creates a serious fire condition.”