Extreme heat is gripping much of Arizona this weekend, prompting warnings from the National Weather Service and public health officials.
An Excessive Heat Warning is in effect through June 16 for 12 counties across the state – including Maricopa, Pima, Yuma and Coconino – with forecasted highs up to 115 degrees.
Matt Salerno, lead meteorologist at the National Weather Service in Phoenix, said the monsoon might bring relief – if it arrives soon enough.
“We are expecting more of a typical, normal monsoon season," he said. "If we can get the moisture to build in here hopefully by the end of this month, that would help to at least limit the extreme heat conditions.”
Officials urge residents to stay indoors during the hottest hours, hydrate often and never leave children or pets in a parked car. Residents are being asked to check on older neighbors and people living without reliable shelter.
"Anytime you have temperatures that are exceeding, 90 degrees, 100 degrees, you're going to have some sort of heat stress on the body. The type of temperatures we're going to be seeing this weekend are basically boosting the heat risk up to major," Salerno said.
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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