The National Weather Service has issued an Extreme Heat Warning for Maricopa County Saturday through Monday. Highs are expected to climb above 110 degrees for the first time this year, and officials warn those temperatures pose a major health risk.
In 2024, 608 people died from heat-related causes in Maricopa County, and nearly 4,000 emergency room visits in the county were attributed to heat. So far in 2025, county officials are investigating 72 possible heat-related deaths. One death has been confirmed – that individual sustained heat injuries in 2024, but died this year.
Unsheltered people, older adults, people with cardiovascular disease, and people who use stimulants are especially vulnerable to heat illness or heat death. But everyone faces some risk from extreme temperatures, said Dr. Nick Staab, Maricopa County Public Health chief medical officer.
“We're asking everyone in Maricopa County, whether you're visiting or living here, to have a plan for the extreme heat, to have a place where you can get out of the heat into a cool air conditioned space where you can stay well hydrated,” Staab said.
The hottest days are a concern, but Staab pointed out last year, 51% of heat-related deaths in the county occurred on days when the heat risk was categorized as “moderate.”
“We have a long season,” Staab said. “Your plan should not just be for those extreme heat days but should be throughout the heat season.”
More than 140 cooling centers are available across the Valley. Staab recommends knowing where you could go if your air conditioner were to break, checking on your neighbors, and calling 211 if you need heat-related assistance.
Phoenix forecast from the NWS
Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 108. Calm wind becoming west northwest around 5 mph in the afternoon. Low around 81. West northwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Sunday: Sunny and hot, with a high near 113. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph in the afternoon. Low around 83. West wind around 5 mph becoming calm after midnight.
Monday: Sunny and hot, with a high near 112. Light and variable wind becoming west southwest 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon. Low around 82. West southwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming light after midnight.
Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 107. West southwest wind 5 to 10 mph. Low around 81. West wind around 5 mph becoming calm after midnight.
Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 109. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph in the afternoon. Low around 81. West wind around 5 mph becoming calm after midnight.
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