Extreme heat warning issued for Phoenix, highs up to 113 expected

An extreme heat warning is in effect for Phoenix and southern Arizona from 10 a.m. Monday through 8 p.m. Friday, with temperatures expected to climb several degrees above normal, according to the National Weather Service.

Forecasters say highs across the lower deserts, including the Valley, will reach 109 to 113 degrees most days this week, with widespread major heat risk.

Phoenix reached 110 degrees Sunday.

Phoenix’s normal high for Aug. 17 is about 105 degrees, according to National Weather Service climate data.

Sean Benedict, a lead meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Phoenix, said the heat poses a greater risk this week because it’s arriving later in the summer than usual.

“We’re at that time of year where our average high temperatures are actually starting to go down, so you’re getting more of an above normal for this time of year,” Benedict said.

Forecasters say storm chances in the Valley might pick up by Wednesday or Thursday. If enough storm activity develops, and brings with it cooler temperatures, the weather service says it could end the warning early for parts of Arizona.

An extreme heat warning is the National Weather Service’s most serious heat alert, issued when temperatures are expected to be dangerous for anyone without enough cooling and hydration.

Benedict urged anyone who has to go outdoors to do so early.

“Try to take advantage of the mornings and really sort of those dawn hours, because the temperatures will heat up very quickly,” he said. “Even by mid to late morning, we could be in the hundreds.”

Cooling centers remain open throughout the Valley. Maricopa County maintains a map of cooling center locations.

KTAR News 92.3 FM reporter Colton Krolak contributed to this report.

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