Phoenix expected to get rain this week — but not before excessive heat

PHOENIX — There is a decent chance that the Phoenix area could get rain again this week — but not before the Valley is set to experience temperatures that could reach as high as 114 degrees.

The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat warning for the Phoenix area on Monday and Tuesday, with high temperatures reaching as high as 115 degrees.

Hot temperatures will persist through Tuesday before monsoon conditions finally return on Wednesday. Heat safety will be important over the next few days. #azwx pic.twitter.com/0HfbvmJg2N

— NWS Phoenix (@NWSPhoenix) August 5, 2018

The heat warning will remain in place until 8 p.m. Tuesday and will include the Phoenix area, Casa Grande, Globe and portions of the southwest Arizona deserts.

Temperatures are expected to range between 101 and 105 degrees for higher elevation areas.

The weather service said strong high pressure and “somewhat” drier conditions will lead to the excessive heat for portions of the lower deserts on Monday.

While Wednesday was expected to cool down some with a higher chance of thunderstorms, it was advised that residents avoid working outside or participating in outdoor activities on Monday and Tuesday.

In order to avoid the high to extreme risk of heat-related illness, the weather service advised residents to stay indoors, seek air-conditioned buildings, stay hydrated and dress in lightweight and light-colored clothing.

“Eat small meals and eat more often. Monitor those with a higher vulnerability to heat, including small children,” the weather service said on its website.

“Check in on family, friends, and neighbors, especially the elderly. If engaging in outdoor activity, take longer and more frequent breaks and avoid the hottest parts of the day.”

Heat stroke can be deadly, especially during the devastating Arizona summers. Some of the signs of heat-related illness include muscle cramps, dizziness, weakness, vomiting, confusion, weak pulse, shallow breathing or even seizures.

There were 155 heat-associated deaths reported in Phoenix’s Maricopa County in 2017, the highest annual number ever recorded, as the city experienced the warmest year on record.

According to the Arizona Department of Health Services, 219 people died from heat-associated causes around the state last year, with nearly 1,300 heat-caused deaths statewide during the decade from 2005 to 2015.

The department said that last year more than 2,874 people visited hospital emergency rooms for heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke, mostly in the southern and western parts of the state spread across the Sonoran Desert.

The Associated Press contributed to this report. 

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