The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued extreme heat warnings for parts of Arizona between Saturday and Tuesday, along with areas of Southern California for Monday, and is urging millions of people in impacted regions to “avoid exposure to the sun” from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. local time.
Why It Matters
Between 2004 and 2018, an average of 702 people died in the United States each year due to excess heat, according to data from the National Center for Health Statistics, with the NWS reiterating this week that it is the “deadliest weather phenomenon in the USA.”
According to the NWS, an extreme heat warning means that a period of very hot temperatures, even by local standards, will occur.
What To Know
An NWS update released early on Saturday morning showed extreme heat warnings are in place for large sections of Arizona along with parts of Southern California.
An extreme heat warning is in place for areas below 4,000 feet in Grand Canyon County between 10 a.m. MST on Saturday and 7 p.m. MST on Tuesday.
“Day hikers on Bright Angel Trail should descend no farther than 11/2 miles from the upper trailhead. Between the hours of 10 AM and 4PM, hikers should be out of the canyon or at Havasupai Gardens or Bright Angel campgrounds, physical activity is discouraged,” the NWS warning said.
A separate NWS extreme heat warning has been applied to a swath of Arizona including the cities of Phoenix, Peoria, Chandler, Sun City West, Surprise, Liberty, Wittmann, Tempe, Sun Lakes, Avondale, Goodyear, Paradise Valley, Gilbert, Queen Creek, Beardsley, Cashion, Mesa and Circle City between 10 a.m. on Sunday and 8 p.m. on Tuesday.
Those in Maricopa County can call 2-1-1 to access a free cooling center and transportation.
On Monday from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. local time, an extreme heat warning covers southwest Arizona and southeast California including Parker Valley, Central La Paz, Southeast Yuma County, Gila River Valley, Imperial County Southwest, Imperial County Southeast, Imperial County West, Palo Verde Valley and Chuckwalla Valley.
In a separate extreme heat warning map, the NWS warned those in impacted areas to stay hydrated, avoid the sun between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., make use of air conditioning and wear light and loosely fitted clothes.
It added there is a “high risk of heat stress or illness for anyone without effective cooling and/or adequate hydration.”
The NWS also warned that 15 states should expect elevated ultraviolet (UV) radiation levels this weekend, increasing the risk of sunburn and eye damage.
On Friday, millions of Americans were urged to stay indoors during peak daylight hours across parts of 14 states due to the heat. An air quality alert was also issued for the Phoenix metro area in Arizona.
What People Are Saying
The National Weather Service said in its warning: “Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible, reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing when possible and drink plenty of water.”
It added: “To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 911.”
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