PHOENIX — It has already been an incredibly hot summer, with Phoenix setting a new record (by far) for days where the temperature hits 100 degrees or above in a row, and that won't be ending any time soon.
That record will be extended this week as the heat will be above 110 degrees as we end the workweek. This is leading the National Weather Service in Phoenix to issue an excessive heat warning and 12News to declare three Weather Impact Alert Days.
When the warning is in effect:
- Wednesday, Sept. 4 through Friday, Sept. 6 are Weather Impact Alert Days
- The excessive heat warning will be in effect from 10 a.m. on Wednesday to 8 p.m. on Friday.
Impact on your life:
- Afternoon temperatures are expected to hit between 106 and 114 degrees
- Overexposure to temperatures like these can lead to heat cramps and exhaustion, which can develop into heat stroke if not treated
- The National Weather Service expects heat-related illnesses to increase "significantly" during the excessive heat warning
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.
We will continue to track the current weather conditions as they develop. Stay with 12News for the latest updates.
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