After a small respite from the heat Thursday morning, when temperatures reached the mid-70s, record-breaking and extremely high temperatures are predicted to return Friday and throughout the weekend.
Extremely high temperatures are expected in Phoenix (Source: USA Today)
Extreme High Temperatures in Phoenix Warning was Announced
According to the National Weather Service Phoenix office, lows in metro Phoenix on Friday and into the weekend will be in the mid to upper 80s, with highs ranging from 110 to 114. An excessive heat warning will be in effect from 9 a.m. on Sept. 9 to 8 p.m. on Sept. 10, affecting the lower deserts of south-central and southern Arizona. This weekend, Phoenix is set to set new records as temperatures rise above 100 degrees. The extremely high temperature in Phoenix is the result of a high-pressure system steadily moving across the state and blocking any moisture.
As the high-pressure system moves over the state, it will diminish, thus increasing the likelihood of rain later in the week. Temperatures will fall back into the lower 100s, and rain chances will increase to 20% beginning Tuesday evening. Austin Jamison, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service’s Phoenix office, said the Valley has seen an unusually dry monsoon due to fewer storms than usual. The monsoon season in Arizona begins around June and lasts until September. Since 2008, the National Weather Service has designated dates ranging from June 15 to September 30.
Sky Harbor had only received 0.13 inches of rain as of September 6, according to Jamison, although the average rainfall quantity from June 15 to September 6 is 2.01. “We’re a long way behind,” Jamison said. According to Jamison, the particular rationale for the Phoenix region’s dry monsoon would be difficult to discern without in-depth research, as the lack of humidity makes storm formation difficult. Jamison said that we need to bring in humid air so that thunderstorms can form.
According to Jamison, wind patterns from the Gulf of Mexico and other more humid locations must be strong enough to bring humid air into the Valley; otherwise, the Valley may experience hot, dry days with little cloud cover.
READ ALSO: Summer 2023: Hottest Summer Recorded
Extreme High Temperatures Advice
The Arizona Department of Health Services offers the following suggestions for avoiding heat-related illness:
- Drink water: It is advised that people drink at least 2 liters of water every day if they are confined to their homes all day. Those who spend time outside should drink 1 to 2 liters of water per hour.
- Dress for the heat by wearing light-colored and light-weight clothing. Sunscreen should be applied to exposed skin at all times, and it is best to wear a hat or use an umbrella when going outside.
- Eat smaller meals more frequently: They advise avoiding high-protein diets that raise metabolic heat.
- Keep an eye on those who are at risk: Check for indicators of heat exhaustion or heat stroke in friends, family, or others.
- Slow down and avoid strenuous activity: Strenuous activity should be limited to the coolest hours of the day, between 4 and 7 a.m.
- Stay inside.
- Take breaks when engaging in physical activity: If you are undertaking physical exercise outside on a hot day, take a break in a cool spot.
READ ALSO: Raising Retirement Age One of the Options to Aid Social Security Finances
