Dry weather, warm conditions expected in Phoenix after a bit of possible rain

Haleigh Kochanski, Arizona Republic
·3 min read

The National Weather Service in Phoenix says Arizonans should expect to see drier conditions and warmer temperatures by the end of the week.

There is a slight chance for rain showers and storms across the high desert terrain east of Phoenix on Tuesday. Dry air conditions are expected to start Wednesday, which "nearly shuts down any rain chances across the region."

"Visible satellite this morning shows scattered clouds across southern Arizona," the National Weather Service said in a tweet on Tuesday. "We even have a few light showers moving north across the Phoenix area, but don't expect much more than sprinkles."

High pressure over the southeastern United States will begin to shift westward into Arizona and other western regions this week. By Friday, above-normal temperatures will return to the Valley, with weekend temperature forecasts expected to reach highs of 110 to 113 degrees in low desert terrains.

"While not anywhere near record levels, there's better than a 50% chance lower desert communities hit 110 degrees by the end of the week," the National Weather Service in Phoenix said in a tweet on Tuesday. "Make your outdoor plans accordingly."

The warming trend will pose a moderate heat risk to the Valley throughout the week.

The National Weather Service in Phoenix advises people to follow these "simple rules" to stay healthy during the summer and avoid heat risk:

  • Drink water. Even people that stay mostly indoors all day should drink at least 2 liters of water per day. People that spend time outdoors should drink 1 to 2 liters per hour that they are outdoors. People that do strenuous activity outdoors should be careful, being your body can lose up to 4 liters of water per hour during strenuous activity. You should carry water with you and drink it even if you don't feel thirsty. Be heat safe and avoid alcohol, which dehydrates the body. Avoid using salt tablets unless directed to do so by a physician.

  • Dress for the heat. Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing. Light colors will reflect away some of the sun's energy. It is also a good idea to wear hats or to use an umbrella. Always apply sunscreen to exposed skin.

  • Eat small meals and eat more often. Avoid foods that are high in protein which increase metabolic heat.

  • Monitor those at high risk. Check on friends, family, and neighbors for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Infants and young children, of course, need much more frequent watching.

  • Slow down. Avoid strenuous activity. If you must do strenuous activity, do it during the coolest part of the day, which is usually in the morning between 4 a.m. and 7 a.m.

  • Stay indoors when possible.

  • Take regular breaks when engaged in physical activity on warm days. Take time out to find a cool place. If you recognize that you, or someone else, are showing symptoms of a heat-related illness, stop the activity and find a cool place. Remember, have fun, but stay cool!

Reach breaking news reporter Haleigh Kochanski at hkochanski@arizonarepublic.com or on Twitter @HaleighKochans.

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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Sprinkles, then hot and dry weather forecast this week in Phoenix