Potential dangerous temperatures forecasted across Arizona for upcoming week
Dry conditions, above normal temperatures and excessive heat are forecasted across Arizona for this upcoming week as a high pressure system approaches the state, according to the National Weather Service.
Tucson could reach 110 degrees next weekend
Potentially dangerous temperatures are on the way to southern Arizona, according to the NWS in Tucson. Temperatures are expected to reach about 10 to 12 degrees above normal by midweek in the southern region.
Dangerous Heat is coming this week! Temps will continue to rise each day through next weekend. Increased potential to tie or even break records by the end of the week for SE AZ.
Stay hydrated! Stay cool! Check your car for kids & pets!#azwx pic.twitter.com/msn4Z932cs— NWS Tucson (@NWSTucson) June 5, 2022
Excessive heat could begin on Thursday and continue through the weekend. Areas in lower elevations are expected to have maximum temperatures ranging between 101 and 109 degrees on Friday and Saturday. There is also a chance for Tucson to see its first 110 degree day of this year over the weekend, according to the NWS.
"By then it's already mid-June, so it's not like it's unheard of a 110 degrees in mid-June in Tucson. It will be about ten degrees above normal with 110, but it's been there before" Gary Zell, a meteorologist for the NWS in Tucson, said.
Dry thunderstorms are also possible later in the week, and the winds and lightning could lead to fires.
Zell said people should stay hydrated and try to stay indoors in this upcoming weather. Those who can't should try to do their outdoor work in the morning or late in the afternoon. Visitors should also be mindful of the heat, Zell said.
"If you're visiting Arizona — and it's a great place to visit — but if you're not from here, you really don't want to be hiking during the day," Zell said.
Night temperatures forecasted to be above 80 degrees later in the week in Phoenix
In central Arizona, there will also be a warming trend through the week with high temperatures forecasted between 104 to 107 degrees on Tuesday and 105 to 109 on Wednesday.
South-Central Arizona: First excessive heat episode (High or Extreme HeatRisk) is expected later this week & lasting at least through next weekend. There will also be potential for mostly dry thunderstorms Thursday and maybe again Friday over the high terrain east of PHX. #azwx pic.twitter.com/tBvmpBgnPf
— NWS Phoenix (@NWSPhoenix) June 5, 2022
Excessive heat, with temperatures above 110 degrees, are expected by Thursday or Friday and over the weekend in the lower deserts, including Phoenix, according to NWS meteorologist Jared Heil. In the night, low temperatures will be above 80 degrees.
"It's around that time as well, especially in the urban heat island of Phoenix when overnight low temperatures will fail to drop below 80 degree and that is really when we start to see the very high or high heat risk," Heil said in a video forecast.
Heil said there is at least a 60% risk of hazardous temperatures for next weekend. In Gila county there is a chance of dry lightning strikes, which could spark fires, by the end of the week. No rain is forecasted during the week.
"We want you to stay safe. Heat is the number one weather killer, particularly here across the desert southwest," Heil said in the video.
Areas in Grand Canyon could reach highs of 115 degrees
In northern Arizona, there will also be a warming trend with temperatures ranging around 90 degrees beginning Tuesday, according to the NWS in Flagstaff. Areas in lower elevations could reach temperatures in the triple digits.
"Be sure to drink plenty of water throughout this extremely warm period and try to limit extended periods of exposure to the sun," the NWS website states.
Dry conditions and afternoon breezes will continue. The main message for later in the coming week is HEAT. The hottest temps so far this spring are forecast. Water, shade, morning work, protection from the sun will be important for maximizing your comfort (if possible😫). #azwx. pic.twitter.com/OHOnKIATV1
— NWS Flagstaff (@NWSFlagstaff) June 4, 2022
Some places in northern Arizona, including the lower areas in the Grand Canyon, could see high temperatures between 110 to 115 degrees by the end of the week. Breezy afternoon winds are also forecasted in this region from Tuesday through Thursday.
How to stay safe in warm weather
The Arizona Department of Health Services provided tips to prevent heat-related illness:
Drink water: It is recommended to drink at least two liters of water per day if people are staying inside all day. Those who spend time outdoors should drink one to two liters per hour they are outside.
Dress for the heat: wear light-weight 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: They recommend avoiding 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.
Reach breaking news reporter Angela Cordoba Perez at Angela.CordobaPerez@Gannett.com or on Twitter @AngelaCordobaP.
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Potential dangerous temperatures forecasted across Arizona next week