Phoenix temperatures could hit 115 degrees this week. How to stay safe

Kira Caspers, Arizona Republic
·2 min read

Temperatures toward the end of the week and through the weekend could mark the hottest days Phoenix has experienced this June, according to the National Weather Service.

Thursday's high is an anticipated 113 degrees followed by a high of 115 degrees by Friday, said meteorologist Ted Whittock with the weather service in Phoenix.

"We're going to start this week with temperatures lingering right around normal for this time of year," Whittock said. "Normal high temperature this time of year is 105 but then things will start to heat up Thursday, Friday and sort of linger into the weekend."

As the heat spikes in Phoenix, Thursday and Friday's temperatures will sit a few degrees below the all-time high temperatures in the city. These dates in 2017 set the record with highs of 119 degrees on June 20 and 117 degrees on June 21. The hottest day ever recorded in Phoenix was 122 degrees in 1990, on June 26.

Practicing safety in the heat helps decrease the risk of heat-related illness. Staying indoors in air-conditioned spaces and seeking shade outdoors during the hottest times of the day is recommended by the weather service, along with drinking water and wearing loose-fitting clothing.

For those with limited access to resources or air-conditioned spaces, Whittock advised visiting one of the many cooling centers in the Phoenix area.

"Plan on those hotter days to visit one of the centers where they can provide you with some water and a place to stay while these high temperatures are causing physical illness related to the heat."

Many cooling centers operate within recreation centers, churches, libraries and other public spaces and can offer food, water, clothing and health resources to the public.

Tips to stay safe in the heat

To keep cool and stay safe, the Arizona Department of Health Services recommends:

  • Stay in air-conditioned buildings.

  • Contact the Arizona Department of Health Services at 602-364-3118 or visit an air-conditioned cooling center in your area. Locations of cooling centers can be found on the ADHS Heat-Related Illness page.

  • Do not rely on a fan as your primary cooling device.

  • Limit outdoor activity, especially during the hottest part of the day.

  • Wear loose, lightweight light-colored clothing.

  • Check on at-risk friends, family and neighbors and do not forget children or pets in hot vehicles.

  • Drink more water than usual and don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink.

  • Drink two to four cups of water every hour while working or exercising outside.

  • Avoid alcohol or liquids containing high amounts of sugar while outside.

  • Make sure your family, friends and neighbors are drinking enough water.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Phoenix temperatures could heat up to 115 degrees by Friday