Phoenix could see record-breaking heat as moderate heat advisory is in effect

Higher temperatures are on the horizon as April temperatures warm in the Valley following the coldest March on record for the region in 30 years.

Monday was the warmest day on record this spring in the Valley as temperatures reached the upper 90s, setting a record high so far this year. Phoenix saw its first 99-degree day of 2023 in a warming trend expected to continue through the early days of the week.

The Valley saw its first 85-degree day of the year on Saturday and another heat record may be set Tuesday if the high temperature in Phoenix hits 100 degrees, which would mark the shortest amount of time between an 85-degree day and a 100-degree day since 1941, according to the National Weather Service in Phoenix.

Weather update: Phoenix breaks heat record, but doesn't hit 100 degrees

Gabriel Lojero, a meteorologist for the weather service in Phoenix, said the potential for a 100-degree high on Tuesday is low, with an estimated 10% to 20% likelihood, though the possibility is there.

"There's always the potential for temperatures to overperform," Lojero said. "Right now, we're forecasting a high around 99 degrees, so we will have to wait and see."

Triple digits or not, the high temperatures are here to stay through midweek as a high-pressure system moves over the western United States, causing excess heat in the desert, Lojero said. The high on Wednesday is expected to be 95 degrees, accompanied by clear sunny skies.

Thursday and Friday will bring a reprieve from the heat as temperatures cool down to the mid-80s, within the normal high range for this time of year. Thursday's forecasted high is 85 degrees in Phoenix and Friday will see a high as low as 81 degrees.

The weekend will start with a predicted high of 85 degrees on Saturday before temperatures jump to the 90s again on Sunday, in what Lojero said is a foreshadowing for the hot summer temperatures to come in late April.

Temperatures in the high 80s and 90s will be more frequent over the next several weeks, with the normal high temperature in Arizona's desert regions expected to reach 100 degrees by May.

"Eventually the triple-digits are going to come," Lojero said. "If it doesn't come within the next couple of days it will definitely come later in the month or definitely by next month."

Spring and summer heat safety

With the warming desert temperatures comes an increased risk for heat-related safety concerns. The weather service in Phoenix implemented a moderate heat risk through Wednesday in response to the rising temperatures.

According to the weather service, those sensitive to heat should take extra precautions by reducing time spent outdoors.

Vulnerable groups include adults older than 65, infants, athletes, outdoor workers, households without proper cooling and those with chronic disease.

The weather service recommended Valley residents drink plenty of water and electrolytes, wear light-weight, light-colored clothing, open windows at night, seek shade and reduce time spent outside.

Safe hiking in the heat

Officials emphasized heat-related safety after the Scottsdale Fire Department conducted a drone-assisted rescue of two lost hikers and their dog on Monday near Browns Ranch Trail.

The hikers got turned around in the trail system and called the fire department for help to get out, according to David Folio, a spokesperson for the Scottsdale Fire Department.

Folio said the lost hikers did everything right by hydrating, calling for help early, staying calm and finding shade while they waited for assistance. The spokesperson said having a plan, hydrating and starting early are essential for safe hiking in the heat.

"One of the most important things is to carry a charged cellphone so when you call 911, we can ping your location, that can get you the help you need fairly quickly," said Folio, emphasizing the ability of drones to pinpoint the location of hikers who have charged cell phones.

The Scottsdale Fire Department offered the following tips for safe hiking in the heat:

• Have a plan, start the hike early to avoid peak heat temperatures

• Hydrate the night before the hike and the day of the hike

• Avoid energy drinks and high caffeine intake on the morning of the hike

• Tell other people where you're going, especially if you're not going on local trails

• Have a charged cell-phone for emergency use

• Wear proper footwear, don't wear flip-flops or open-toed shoes and stick to appropriate hiking gear

• Wear loose clothing, apply sunscreen and bring a hat

"If you start feeling the signs of a heat exhaustion, which is dizziness, extreme sweating, headaches and nausea you need to sit down, calm down, drink some water, cool off and continue on when you can," Folio said.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Phoenix-area weather: Moderate heat risk warning through Wednesday