ARIZONA NEWS

As heat is expected to linger in Phoenix, here’s how to stay safe

Jul 10, 2023, 4:25 AM | Updated: Jul 12, 2023, 5:49 am

a woman protects herself from sun exposure by using an umbrella...

(Photo by Ralph Freso/Getty Images)

(Photo by Ralph Freso/Getty Images)

PHOENIX — As a heat wave drags on, staying cool, hydrated and informed is the best safeguard for getting through the scorching summer in metro Phoenix.

An excessive heat warning is in effect through 8 p.m. Tuesday, and the National Weather Service said there is a chance Valley temperatures could approach 120 degrees this week.

Dr. Ayan Sen, chair of the department of critical care medicine at Mayo Clinic in Phoenix, said the Arizona heat can pose dangerous risks.

What causes heat-related illness and who’s most at risk?

“The worst form of heat exposure is called heat stroke, and it occurs when the body can no longer control the temperature and the sweating mechanism fails,” Sen told KTAR News 92.3 FM.

“As a result of that, the temperature can go up to about 106 degrees Fahrenheit. Within 10-15 minutes, there can be a lot of complications that can lead to life-threatening situations.”

In such cases, a person’s body temperature rises quicker than it can cool itself down, according to the Center for Disease Control.

“The biggest concern that would direct us to diagnose heat stroke is when somebody is confused, maybe dizzy, nauseous, they have hot, red, dry skin, and that is really something that needs to be attended to urgently,” Sen said.

“When the temperature goes really high, the body has a thermostat. It’s something that regulates the temperature, and as I mentioned, it may start failing. As a result of that, the brain cells — we call them neurons — can get overheated. That can lead to damage in the cells … that can lead to brain injury.”

Those most at risk include older adults, infants and adolescents, and those with a mental illness, the CDC said. Young and healthy adults can also potentially be affected if they take part in strenuous physical activities during hot weather.

Other heat-related illnesses include heat exhaustion, heat cramps and sunburn.

What precautions can be taken?

Sen advised people to stay in the shade, out of the heat, drink plenty of water, wear appropriate clothing that allows evaporation to occur and maintain minimal heat exposure.

Hot and heavy meals should be avoided and outdoor activities should also be scheduled carefully, the CDC said.

Additionally, children and pets should never be left in a parked car.

Pets should also have plenty of fresh water that has been left in a shady area.

KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Colton Krolak contributed to this story.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Pass it along to the KTAR News team here.

78° | 52°
56° and mostly cloudy

Arizona News

fatal shooting southeast Phoenix one man dead...

Payne Moses

Police investigating fatal shooting that left 1 man dead in southeast Phoenix

Phoenix police are investigating a fatal shooting in southeast Phoenix on Friday that left one man dead. The incident is being viewed as an act of self-defense.

6 hours ago

Phoenix woman hit killed by car West Phoenix...

Payne Moses

Woman dead after hit by car while crossing street in west Phoenix

An adult woman was struck and killed by a car on Friday while crossing a street in west Phoenix, authorities said.

7 hours ago

I17 Bumble Bee bridge ADOT construction Feb. 10-12 overnight...

Payne Moses

I-17 overnight closures next week to remove old Bumble Bee bridge

The southbound Interstate 17 will be closed overnight from Monday to Wednesday due to scheduled reconstruction of the Bumble Bee bridge.

8 hours ago

asthma GSK Arizona AG Kris Mayes sues for exploiting drug maker...

Payne Moses

Arizona AG accuses asthma drug maker of scheming to avoid Medicaid rebates

Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes on Thursday sued drug producer GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) for harm done to asthma patients by discontinuing a long-time product.

10 hours ago

According to a recent study, film production in the metro Phoenix area generated $29.1 million in e...

David Veenstra

2024 film projects made $29.1M in economic impact on Phoenix area, new report says

According to a recent study, film production in the metro Phoenix area generated $29.1 million in economic impact in 2024.

12 hours ago

Tucson border patrol...

Roxanne De La Rosa

3 men arrested near Tucson after fleeing from Border Patrol

Tucson Border Patrol agents arrested three men on Tuesday near the southern border, after they tried to flee from law enforcement.

13 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

...

Bright Wealth Management

How IRAs are a helpful tool in retirement planning

When it comes to retirement planning, individual retirement accounts (IRAs) can be a great tool for income growth.

...

Fiesta Bowl Foundation

Join us for the 52nd annual Vrbo Fiesta Bowl Parade

The 52nd annual Vrbo Fiesta Bowl Parade presented by Lerner & Rowe returns on Saturday, December 28, at 10 a.m.

...

Bright Wealth Management

How to save money on retirement planning following 2024 election

PHOENIX -- With the 2024 election over, economic changes could impact how people plan for retirement as 2025 is on the horizon.

As heat is expected to linger in Phoenix, here’s how to stay safe