Unprecedented March heat wave poses potential health risks, Valley expert warns

PHOENIX – A Valley safety expert wants the public to take heed of potential health risks during an unprecedented March heat wave.

The Phoenix forecast calls for temperatures to hit 100 degrees by Wednesday and potentially exceed 105 on multiple days before the weekend is done.

It would be the earliest triple-digit heat ever recorded in Phoenix, which has hit 100 just once before during the third month of the year, back on March 26, 1988.

“It seems to catch us earlier and earlier each season, but we’re definitely watching it closely,” Scottsdale Fire Chief Tom Shannon told KTAR News 92.3 FM on Monday.

The National Weather Service has issued an extreme heat watch for Thursday morning through Sunday evening in parts of central and southern Arizona, including the Phoenix, Tucson and Yuma areas.

Heat watches indicate that dangerous heat is possible. They often are upgraded to warnings when dangerous heat is happening or about to happen.

Why is early heat wave particularly worrisome?

Shannon explained that many Valley residents and visitors haven’t had a chance to adjust their routines to account for the early onset of extreme heat.

“We kind of have to get our muscle memory back. … We’re coming out of winter, and folks aren’t necessarily used to really taking out a lot of water every day, watching their alcohol intake and making sure their nutrition is where it should be, because you can get dehydrated out there pretty darn quick,” he said.

Shannon said that is especially true at spring training games, where there’s an abundance of alcohol and people from out of town who aren’t used to the heat. He added that his department has already seen an uptick in heat-related calls from games.

The Cactus League has pushed back the start of multiple games this week in response to safety concerns over the weather.

Make a plan if you go hiking during March heat wave

Hiking is another popular March activity that can pose health risks as temperatures rise. Shannon stressed the importance of staying hydrated and having a plan before venturing out for a hike.

“Let people know where you’re at … and keep a charged cellphone with you, so that if you do run into trouble, you can reach out,” he said.

Shannon also cautioned hikers that they should be on the lookout for potentially dangerous animals that become more active as temperatures rise, like snakes and scorpions.

“Follow the signs and watch for critters, but most importantly, if you just think common sense-wise, ‘What’s my plan if something goes south here?’ you’ll usually find yourself in a good place,” he said.

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