Phoenix-area temperatures to heat up again on weekend
As temperatures continue to pick up this weekend, Phoenix could break yet another record during this already record-breaking summer.
Phoenix residents can expect a high of 114 degrees on Saturday, breaking the previous historical high of 111 degrees for Sept. 9, according to the National Weather Service in Phoenix. The high for Sunday was forecast to be 112 degrees, just above the historical high of 111 degrees for Sept. 10.
The weather service issued an extreme heat warning for 10 a.m. Saturday through 8 p.m. Sunday, advising residents to stay indoors between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. on both days and be vigilant about heat illness.
Phoenix could break another record: highest number of days over 110 degrees in a year. On Friday, the weather service recorded a high of 110, matching the 2020 record of 53 days over 110 degrees that year.
With highs expected to surpass those digits this weekend, 2023 could stand as the hottest year ever recorded in Phoenix.
“It's likely that we'll reach 110 Saturday so we can break it Saturday,” said Matthew Hirsch, a weather service meteorologist.
The good news is that slightly cooler weather is on the horizon.
“It won’t be until Tuesday that we drop below 110,” Hirsch said. “After that the highs should remain around 101 or 102.”
What to know: 194 people have died in Maricopa County in 2023 due to the heat
Tucson could also see record-breaking heat
Tucson residents will see a slightly cooler weekend than those in central Arizona, but not by much.
“We are looking at for Saturday a high of 108 and for Sunday a high of 107,” said Chris Rasmussen, a meteorologist with the weather service in Tuscon.
“The previous records for those days are 105 and 107, and those were both set in 1990,” Rasmussen said.
He said things are expected to cool down by Monday and mentioned there is a possibility of storms affecting most of Arizona by midweek.
“We do get a little disturbance that'll kick across all of Arizona and should provide some kind of a return to some showers and thunderstorms,” Rasmussen told The Arizona Republic.
Chances of rain in Flagstaff
Those looking to avoid 100-degree weather altogether should look north.
"It's getting warm out here, but we aren't really looking at breaking any heat records," said Reggie Roakes, a meteorologist with the weather service in Flagstaff.
Flagstaff residents can expect to see highs in the low 80s on Saturday and Sunday with the potential for light rain during the day. By Monday, highs should fall to the upper 70s.
How to cope with the heat
Arizona residents may feel like this is nothing new after the intense heat waves this summer, but Hirsch hopes they remain vigilant.
“People shouldn't let their guard down. Even though it is September and we are a little bit lower than previous record-breaking temperatures, people should take them seriously," Hirsch said.
The Arizona Department of Health Services provided tips to prevent heat-related illness:
Drink water: It is recommended to drink at least 2 liters of water per day if people are staying inside all day. Those who spend time outdoors should drink 1 to 2 liters per hour they are outside.
Dress for the heat: Wear lightweight and light-colored clothing. Sunscreen should always be applied to exposed skin and it is recommended to wear a hat or use an umbrella when outdoors.
Eat small meals and eat more often: Avoid foods high in protein that increase metabolic heat.
Monitor those at risk: Check on friends, family or others for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
Slow down and avoid strenuous activity: It is recommended to only do strenuous activity during the coolest hours of the day, between 4 and 7 a.m.
Stay indoors.
Take breaks when engaged in physical activity: Take a break in a cool place when doing activity outside on a hot day.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Phoenix forecast: Weekend will see temps of over 110 degrees
