Arizona weather forecast: Extreme heat warning extended as storm chances increase
Phoenix weather: Heat warning and rising storm threats
Extreme heat warnings remain in effect across Maricopa County while storm chances increase.
PHOENIX - It was a dusty, hazy Tuesday in Arizona. Fortunately, air quality improved on Wednesday morning.
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.
What to Expect Today:
It will remain hot, humid, and a bit hazy through Wednesday. In Phoenix, the forecast high climbs to 107 degrees. On Wednesday morning, a few light and spotty showers passed over Southern Arizona and just south of Phoenix. Those showers will fizzle through the morning, as storm chances renew around the state. In fact, there will be a slightly increased threat of scattered thunderstorms this afternoon and early evening throughout Arizona.
Over Northern Arizona's high terrain, Eastern Arizona, and Southern Arizona, region residents will see the best potential for storms. In Southern Arizona, severe weather is expected yet again. The top threat with storms will be strong winds, blowing dust, and heavy rain, but small hail and frequent lightning will be possible as well. In Phoenix, the chance for storms increases to around 20-30% by the early evening as outflow winds from storms hold the potential to collide and trigger activity across the metro. The top threat remains gusty winds with blowing dust in Phoenix.
The Rest of the Week:
The forecast high climbs to 109 in Phoenix on Thursday. By Friday, the high will jump to 112 degrees. Areas around Maricopa County, as well as northwestern Pinal County and all of Western Arizona, remain under an extreme heat warning. For the Phoenix area, the warning has been extended through Sunday.
Storm chances will continue around the state the rest of the week, and may increase by the weekend. In Phoenix, chances are still isolated to scattered, but there is at least a low chance each late day into evening. For now, chances appear to increase to around 20-40% over the weekend with Sunday holding the highest potential.
Looking Further Ahead:
The forecast high temperatures may drop back below 110 degrees early next week.
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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.