The Brief
A heat wave is hitting the Phoenix area, as temperatures were already at 92 degrees before 8 a.m.
A high-pressure system is expected to remain over Arizona for several days, leading to extreme and potentially record-breaking heat.
The forecast calls for Phoenix to reach 113 degrees today, tying the current record, with new record highs expected on Wednesday and Thursday.
PHOENIX - The first weekend of August is off to a hot start with record-breaking temperatures.
Phoenix Sky Harbor hit a high of 114 degrees on Saturday. This breaks our 2011 record of 113 degrees. The average is 106 degrees, making today’s high 8 degrees above normal.
The week ahead
Temperatures will continue to warm next week with a major to extreme heat risk ahead. A strong ridge of high pressure will lead to record-breaking temperatures above 115 degrees by Wednesday. Extreme heat warnings will continue through next week under the heatwave.
There will eventually be relief from the extreme heat with temperatures dropping down below 110 by early next week.
Aside from the heat, conditions will remain dry and sunny in the Valley. If any rain occurs it will mainly be confined to higher terrain. Brace yourselves for a scorching hot week ahead!
The following heat safety information was provided by the Scottsdale Fire Department:
What are Heat Emergencies?
Heat Cramps: Profuse sweating, fatigue, extreme thirst, muscle cramps
Heat Exhaustion: Headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea/vomit, Cool/moist skin
Heat Stroke: Elevated temp. +103degrees, confusion/irrational behavior, dry/hot skin, rapid shallow breathing, rapid weak pulse (shock), seizures, unconscious
What to do
Get person into shade or cool location
Cool person with cool, wet cloths (neck, groin, armpits, head) and fan body
Sip cool water if person is alert
For muscle cramps, massage muscles gently, but firmly until relaxed
*If symptoms worsen, call 911
What not to do
Do not give anything by mouth if person is vomiting, unable to swallow or unconscious
Do not underestimate the seriousness of a heat emergency
Prevention/Preparation for hike/exercise in heat
Know your limitations
Hydrate (begins day prior to hike/exercise, hour before hike, during and after)
Wear proper clothing, lightweight and light color, protect head, proper shoes
Always carry a cell phone and best to hike with company
Always tell someone where you are hiking and when to plan to return
Preventing heat exhaustion/heat stroke
The Arizona Department of Health Services stated the following precautions can be taken to prevent heat exhaustion or heat stroke:
Stay in air-conditioned buildings
Limit outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day (mid-day)
Check on at-risk friends, family, and neighbors at least twice a day
Drink water before, during, and after working or exercising outside
Check the UV Index
Check the heat risk map
Road Conditions
Call 511 anywhere in Arizona or 1-888-411-ROAD (7623)
You can always check the latest weather conditions by visiting the FOX 10 Phoenix weather page, or download the Free FOX 10 Weather app, which is available on Apple iOS and Android.
Scroll down this page for satellite and radar, day planner, records, current temperatures, 10-day forecast, forecast highs, and recent rainfall totals, plus live video feeds.
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