Excessive Heat Warning issued for 10 Arizona counties

4 p.m. Weather Forecast - 6/16/22

We're seeing some blistering heat today for the Valley, but some rainy relief may be on the horizon.

PHOENIX - The National Weather Service has issued an Excessive Heat Warning for portions of Arizona, as temperatures in the Phoenix area could reach 112°F on Thursday.

The warning goes into effect at 10 a.m. on June 16 and lasts through 8 p.m.

The counties included in the warning are:

Cochise, Coconino, Gila, Graham, Greenlee, Maricopa, Pinal, Pima, Santa Cruz, and Yavapai

Last week, the high temperature in Phoenix reached 110° F, marking the first 110° temperature of 2022.

Heat relief stations activated in Phoenix

Heat relief stations activated amid Excessive Heat Warning

The Salvation Army will activate several heat relief stations in the Valley on June 16 amid an Excessive Heat Warning that spans 10 counties in Arizona.

Hiking trails closed

Due to the excessive heat, popular hiking trails in Phoenix, such as those on Camelback Mountain and Piestewa Peak, will be closed from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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

Driving in extreme temperatures

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