Arizona weather forecast: Phoenix temperatures increasing under extreme heat warning

PHOENIX - Over the next several days, temperatures will become the main focus of the forecast.

A strong dome of high pressure is on the move. It will shift from just east of Arizona on Wednesday to centered directly over Arizona by Friday. As a result, moisture levels around Arizona will dip as temperatures climb.

What to Expect Today:

The forecast high reaches 111 degrees in Phoenix on Wednesday. In Phoenix, it will remain mostly sunny, dry, and just a touch humid, still.

For the higher elevations, a continued chance for scattered showers and storms is forecast for Wednesday afternoon. The chance will be restricted to the northern and eastern parts of the state, as well as far southeastern Arizona. Some outflow wind gusts could roll into Pinal County into tonight.

The Rest of the Week:

Beginning Thursday and lasting through at least Friday, isolated storm chances will be pushed to the far eastern edge of the state. With generally dry weather, the forecast high jumps to 113 in Phoenix on Thursday. The upper 80s will return to Flagstaff on Thursday. By Friday, the high climbs into the 90s in Flagstaff. It is forecast to reach 116 in Phoenix on Friday and Saturday. Both days will tie the current record for warmth. All of Southern, Central, and Western Arizona, as well as portions of Gila and Yavapai County below 4,000 feet, the Grand Canyon below 4,000 feet, and Glen, Marble, and Oak Creek canyons, are under an extreme heat warning through Sunday.

Starting Sunday, the high pressure center will start to shift slightly westward. This will allow for the temperatures to gradually ease as the door to moisture wrapping over the high opens back up to Arizona. The forecast high in Phoenix reaches 115 on Sunday afternoon. It falls to 113 on Monday and 110 on Tuesday.

Storm chances will increase for the northern and eastern portions of the state from Saturday evening into Sunday. Chances will increase from 10% to 20% by early next week in Phoenix, too.

Humidity levels will briefly drop to dry between Friday and Saturday before climbing again starting Sunday.

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.

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.
• Find a cooling center/hydration station.
• 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)

Rain/flood safety tips

The American Red Cross' tips for heavy rain situations and flood safety:

• Turn around don’t drown! If you must drive and you encounter a flooded roadway, turn around and go another way.
• If you are caught on a flooded road and waters are rising rapidly around you, get out of the car quickly and move to higher ground.
• Tune in to your local radio, NOAA radio, or news channels for the latest updates.
• If your neighborhood is prone to flooding, be prepared to evacuate quickly.
• Follow evacuation orders and do not attempt to return until officials say it is safe.
• If power lines are down, do not step in puddles or standing water.
• If power is out, use a flashlight. Do not use any open flame as alternate lighting.

Preparing for a severe thunderstorm 

The American Red Cross' tips for preparing for a severe thunderstorm:

• Put together an emergency kit.
• Know your community’s evacuation plan.
• Create a household disaster plan and practice it.
• Purchase a battery-powered or hand-crank radio
• Discuss thunderstorm safety with members of your household. Be aware that a thunderstorm could produce flooding.
• Pick a safe place in your home for household members to gather during a thunderstorm. This should be a place where there are no windows, skylights, or glass doors, which could be broken by strong winds or hail and cause damage or injury.

Be prepared and stay safe during the monsoon

"Most Valley residents know how quickly and furiously storms can move in and out, bringing strong winds, dust, rain, and flash flooding. These storms can cause interruptions in services, such as water, power, and gas," stated Captain Ashley Losch of the Glendale Fire Department.

GFD reminds residents of ways they can be prepared and stay safe:

• Have flashlights with extra batteries on hand.
• Have food that can be prepared without the need for cooking or refrigeration.
• Have at least one gallon of clean water for each person in the household.
• Have backup power for anyone requiring power for a medical device.
• Have backup power for cell phones that do not require charging.
• Have a first aid kit ready and accessible.
• Never drive into areas with flowing water; it takes less than 10 inches to wash a car away.
• Avoid flooded areas, such as washes.
• If waters are rising, seek higher ground.
• Do not approach downed power lines, the ground can be energized for up to 200 feet.
• Keep pets indoors during storms.