PHOENIX — It has been one cruel summer in the Valley. The last time it was close to this hot in Phoenix on Sept. 25, Taylor Swift hadn't even been born yet. We have to go back to 1989 for the previous record of 108 degrees.
Wednesday, Phoenix smashed that record at 113 degrees. Sept. 25 is now the latest date Phoenix has ever seen temperatures above 110 degrees. It's also 14 degrees above normal temps.
And we are not out of the woods yet.
The next four days are Weather Impact Alert Days as excessive heat lingers over the Valley. Afternoon temperatures are expected to hit between 105 and 114 degrees. Every day is expected to break a high-temperature record.
What you need to know to prepare:
- "An Excessive Heat Warning means that a period of very hot temperatures, even by local standards, will occur," according to the National Weather Service.
- The NWS says anyone in the areas affected should take precautions if they work outside or plan to spend time outside, including rescheduling any activities that require hard work to the early morning or evening, when temperatures will be lower.
- OHSA says anyone working outdoors during excessive heat should schedule frequent breaks in the shade or somewhere that is air-conditioned.
- It is also important to know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
- According to the CDC, symptoms of heat exhaustion include:
- Heavy sweating
- Cold, pale, clammy skin
- A fast, but weak, pulse
- Nausea or vomiting
- Muscle cramps
- Tiredness or weakness
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Fainting
- If you see someone suffering from heat exhaustion, move them to a cool place, loosen their clothes, put cool, wet cloths on their body or put them in a cool bath and make sure they sip water.
- According to the CDC, symptoms of heat stroke include
- A body temperature of 103 degrees or higher
- Hot, red, dry or damp skin
- A fast and strong pulse
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Confusion
- Losing consciousness
- If you see someone suffering from heat stroke, call 911, move the person to a cooler place, help lower their body temperature with cool cloths or a cool bath and make sure not to give them anything to drink
- It helps to wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothes and to drink plenty of water
- Cooling shelters will be available across Maricopa County. To find a cooling center, call 211 or go to Maricopa.gov/heat.
It is critical to stay hydrated as temperatures remain high over the next several days. According to the CDC, it is important to cut down on exercise, try to find a place with air conditioning to stay cool and wear lightweight loose-fitting clothing.
Maricopa County has cooling centers and residents can get a ride to a cooling center by calling Arizona 211 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.
How to stay safe in the heat
The NWS offers these precautions to residents during extreme heat incidents:
- Stay hydrated
- Avoid sun exposure from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Use air conditioning if you have access to it, fans may not be enough
- Wear light, loose-fitting clothing
More heat resources
Here are a few links to resources to help you stay cool during extreme heat.