The triple digits in metro Phoenix have arrived well ahead of schedule, and many summer cooling centers aren’t up and running yet.
Phoenix’s Office of Heat Response and Mitigation said city libraries, senior centers and community centers are open during regular hours and are available for cooling off in the air conditioning during this unprecedented March heat wave.
Phoenix’s Office of Homeless Solutions also said its outreach teams are now carrying the heat relief supplies they typically have during the summer months. Those include ice, water, cooling towels, electrolytes and shoes.
The city plans to launch its annual heat relief operations, including a 24-hour cooling center, in early May.
For additional information, visit phoenix.gov/summer.
Mesa is also offering heat relief during regular hours at Terros Health on Stapley Drive, Friends at First Outreach Center, and A New Leaf. Additional heat relief services in Mesa are set to launch May 1.
More information is at mesaaz.gov/Resident-Resources/Heat-Safety.
Grand Canyon could see 104 degrees
In northern Arizona, weather issued extreme heat warnings for areas in Grand Canyon National Park from Wednesday through Sunday.
They say temperatures could range from 96 to 104 degrees in the lower elevations of the park, including Grand Canyon Village on the South Rim and Phantom Ranch down in the canyon. T
he message from park officials: Avoid strenuous hiking during the hottest part of the day, which they identify as 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
— Associated Press
Phoenix to open splash pads starting Friday
But as record-shattering heat arrives, Phoenix is offering residents a fun way to cool off — the city’s Parks and Recreation department announced it will open public splash pads two months ahead of schedule.
Starting this week, 11 of Phoenix’s 13 city-run splash pads will operate Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The regularly scheduled season for city pools and aquatic activities begins on May 23 – after that, the splash pads will be open daily throughout the summer.
Splash pad locations are listed on the city’s website.
Spring training official says 'No. 1 priority is the health and safety'
“The Cactus League’s No. 1 priority is the health and safety of all involved,” Cactus League executive director Bridget Binsbacher said in a statement on Monday.
As another week of spring training gets underway in the desert, ballpark staff members are doing everything in their power to make sure fans don’t miss a single game.
— Ethan Holtzinger/Cronkite News
Phoenix forecast from National Weather Service
Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 103. Calm wind.
Thursday Night: Clear, with a low around 69. Calm wind.
Friday: Sunny, with a high near 106. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Friday Night: Clear, with a low around 70. West wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 105. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 70. West wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 102. Calm wind becoming west southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 69. West southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Monday: Sunny, with a high near 100. Calm wind becoming west southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Monday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 68. West wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
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Arizona’s largest electric utility will no longer disconnect customers’ power when temperatures exceed 95 degrees, following a settlement with the Attorney General’s Office. -
The victim was an older adult male, but officials have not released any additional details about the case. Temperatures this spring have been much hotter than average. -
According to National Weather Service data, temperatures have averaged about 8.3 degrees above-normal so far this month – the third-hottest start to April on record in Phoenix. -
The Industrial Commission of Arizona voted to adopt heat safety guidelines for workplaces in the state. But labor groups still hope for enforceable regulations. -
Arizona labor groups are calling for state regulations to require specific protections from heat in workplaces. But actions from the state have so far fallen short of what workers have called for.
