Another extreme heat warning is in effect in the Phoenix area Wednesday through Friday. Temperatures are expected to climb above 110 degrees.
Arizonans are used to hot summers, but the National Weather Service urges people not to underestimate the dangers of these extreme heat warning days. Heat kills more Americans each year than any other weather event. And warnings are issued when temperatures are high enough above normal that the heat poses a risk to everyone.
“This time of year, people are going back to school, it kind of starts to feel like the summer is over and we all know it's not,” said Dr. Nick Staab, chief medical officer for Maricopa County Public Health. “We’re just continuing to encourage folks to have a plan and use the resources that are available in the community.”
Cooling centers remain open in dozens of locations across Maricopa County. Phoenix’s 24-hour heat relief site will be open through the end of September. Arizonans in need of heat-related assistance can get help by calling 211.
The NWS has issued extreme heat warnings on 26 days so far this year. Last year, there were 45 warning days, which lasted until early October.
Phoenix forecast from the NWS
Wednesday: Sunny and hot, with a high near 110 and a low around 91. A 10% chance of showers and thunderstorms before 11 p.m. Widespread haze before 4 a.m., then widespread haze after 5 a.m.
Thursday: A 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 5 p.m. Sunny and hot, with a high near 112 and low around 91.
Friday: A 20%-30% chance of showers. Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 111 and low around 90.
Saturday: A 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 110 and low around 89.
Sunday: A 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 110 and low around 89.
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Valley residents will feel a brief cooldown this week. The National Weather Service predicts high temperatures in the high 80s to lower 90s in the early weekdays. But it's temporary solace as the summer season approaches.
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The risk of human-caused wildfire is high due to hot and dry conditions. Certain activities are now restricted within state trust lands in Gila, Maricopa and Pinal counties, as well as the Tonto National Forest.
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Amid megadrought, extreme heat and facing even more cutbacks to water supply, modern farming and agriculture have had to make major adjustments.
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Arizona Public Service’s parent company reported first-quarter sales growth that was well above average for the utility. The heat wave in March and February was a driving factor, but so was industry growth.
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Federal agents are investigating the deaths of six people thought to be immigrants found inside a shipping container at a Union Pacific rail yard near the border with Mexico in Laredo, Texas, on Sunday as a "potential human smuggling event."