Arizona weather forecast: Extreme heat warning extended as storm chances increase
Is rain on the way to the Phoenix area?
FOX 10's Erica Horvatin has the latest on when we could expect some more rain in the Valley after a stretch of hot temperatures.
PHOENIX - Wednesday was a partly cloudy, muggy day in Arizona.
Temperatures managed to hit 105 once the sun came out during the afternoon, but the heat index was around 107.
Phoenix dust storm triggers high pollution advisory
A category five dust storm blanketed Phoenix on Monday night, prompting a High Pollution Advisory from environmental officials as cloud cover trapped blowing dust across the area on Tuesday.
Thunderstorms in the high country brought quarter-size hail in several spots, and even a flash flood warning to East Flagstaff. The flash flood warning will continue through 6:30 p.m.
Storms will progress south and southwest across the high country throughout the evening. Outflow boundaries from the storms may bring blowing dust to Arizona, and potentially trigger a couple of isolated showers and storms after 8 p.m. tonight.
After midnight, Arizona will be partly cloudy and mainly dry. High country storms should end by around 10 p.m.
The Rest of the Week:
Thursday morning will be partly to mostly cloudy in Arizona, with a low of 89 degrees. Skies will be sunnier during the afternoon, with a high of 107 degrees, feeling like 110 with the humidity. A couple of isolated storms will be possible in the evening. The high country will see storms again, tracking in a similar way as today. Isolated flash floods, damaging winds, and hail will be possible. Daily storms are expected in the high country through the weekend, with only a low chance for Arizona each day.
The extreme heat warning continues through Sunday in Arizona and southwest Arizona, until Saturday for Mohave County, and until Friday for the Grand Canyon and Page. Temperatures will be around 110 in Arizona through the weekend.
Looking Further Ahead:
Phoenix weather: Heat warning and rising storm threats
Extreme heat warnings remain in effect across Maricopa County while storm chances increase.
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.
The Source: Information for this article was gathered by the FOX 10 Weather Experts.