Valley heat: Not everyone is upset about triple digits

Businesses selling cold treats, or even electric companies, are enjoying the prolonged heatwave because of the business it brings.

PHOENIX - In the Valley, we're approaching a long-standing heat record as we close in on the most triple-digit days in one calendar year.

We've set several heat records this year and another could be ready to fall.

People are calling this October, "Hotober," in the Valley as we continue running several degrees above the average high temperature.

Believe it or not, some people are not minding the heat so much -- Devon Greene is one of those people as he owns Berry Berry Best Açaí Bowls, a healthy frozen treat company.

Also seeing more activity than usual are energy producers, APS and SRP. They're also seeing higher demand due to the warmer weather.

SRP reports 16% increase above its 20 year average in cooling degree hours. That number reflects a spike in air conditioner usage for its one million Valley customers.

"It's not just the high temps that are the driver of the usage though. It's a lot of customers working from home. A lot of people doing school from home and having to have your power turned on, your air conditioner turned on," said Erica Sturwold with SRP.

As for APS, it reports for the second quarter ending in June, daily high temperatures in APS service territory beat or matched previous records not seen in more than a century.

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.

Noon Weather Forecast - 10/12/20

Sunny skies in the Valley with a high near 97°

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