Excessive Heat Warning in effect for 13 Arizona counties through July 13

Noon weather forecast - 7/13

We're in for a slight 'cool down' to the low 100s by the end of the week.

PHOENIX - The National Weather Service has issued an Excessive Heat Warning for the Phoenix metropolitan area and other parts of south-central Arizona until July 13 as potentially record-breaking temperatures are in store for the weekend.

The warning affects portions of the following counties:

Maricopa, Coconino, Gila, Graham, Greenlee, Pima and Pinal from July 10, 10 a.m. to July 13, 8 p.m.
Cochise, La Paz, Mohave, Santa Cruz, Yavapai and Yuma from July 11, 10 a.m. to July 13, 8 p.m.

The National Weather Service says Saturday and Sunday's highs could potentially be the highest the state has seen since 2017.

Afternoon temperatures are expected to range from 107° to as high as 120° throughout the Valley on July 11 and 12. Phoenix, which will be under the heat warning as of 10 a.m. on July 10, will see highs nearing 117°.

You can 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.

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

The Arizona Department of Transportation’s tips for driving in extreme temperatures include:

Have sun protection: In addition to an umbrella, take sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat and wear loose-fitting, light-colored cotton clothing.

Fuel up: Keep your tank at three-quarters full. Running out of gas, especially in a remote location, is dangerous in extreme heat.

Hydrate: Take a cooler to keep extra drinking water cold, and consider adding several frozen bottles of water to use for cooling off or to thaw and drink if needed. Make sure everyone, including pets, stays hydrated.

Get help: If your vehicle breaks down in extreme heat, call for assistance right away to reduce wait time, and run the AC. If the AC isn’t working, roll down all windows.

Wait safely: If the temperature inside your vehicle becomes too hot, everyone, including pets, should exit carefully and seek out or create a shaded area as far away from the travel lanes as possible. Be careful walking on the road surface, which can be hot enough to burn skin. Keep your shoes on and try to keep your pets’ paws off the pavement. If you are stopped along the highway, raise the front hood and turn on hazard lights. Please keep in mind that parking in tall brush can start a fire.

Check your vehicle: You can help avoid breakdowns and blowouts by making sure your vehicle is in good operating condition. Check your air conditioner and coolant levels, top off any vital engine fluids and make sure your battery is up to par. Check your tire pressure, as the combination of under inflated tires and hot pavement can lead to a blowout.

MORE: https://azdot.gov/about/transportation-safety/severe-weather