Heat-related alerts were in effect for parts of five states as of early Sunday, with the National Weather Service (NWS) advising residents in affected areas to take steps to reduce the health impact of extreme temperatures.
Why It Matters
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that extreme heat can lead to heat-related illnesses, especially for older adults, young children, and individuals with chronic medical conditions.
Symptoms can include heavy sweating, muscle cramps, dizziness, and nausea. The agency reports that extreme heat is responsible for over 700 deaths in the U.S. each year.
Moreover, rising temperatures can worsen ground-level ozone pollution, potentially compounding existing health risks.
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What To Know
Extreme heat warnings, issued by the NWS when “extremely dangerous heat conditions are expected or occurring” spanned southern Arizona and the Grand Canyon, as well as southeast California.
The agency said that “dangerously hot conditions,” with afternoon temperatures up to 117 degrees would be possible in the Sonoran Desert National Monument, Aguila Valley, Tonopah Desert, Gila Bend, Cave Creek/New River, Fountain Hills/East Mesa, Superior, Northwest Pinal County, West Pinal County, and Apache Junction/Gold Canyon
“Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible, reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening,” the NWS advised. “Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing when possible and drink plenty of water.”
Elsewhere, less severe heat advisories were in effect for southern Florida, as well as southeast and far west Texas.
In Texas, Inland Calhoun, Inland Kleberg, Inland Nueces, Inland Refugio, Inland San Patricio, Jim Wells, and Victoria Counties were expected to see heat index values—which reflect how hot it feels when both humidity and temperature are considered—of 110 to 114 degrees, according to an advisory that was in effect until 7 p.m. CDT Sunday.
In Florida, portions of the south, southeast and southwest could expect heat index values up to 109, according to the agency.
An extreme heat watch had also been issued for the Colorado River Valley and the Lake Mead area, in Nevada, where the NWS cautioned that high temperatures up to well into the triple digits would be possible later in the week.
What People Are Saying
AccuWeather meteorologist Brandon Buckingham told Newsweek: “The Desert Southwest will experience the highest temperatures across the nation, with places like Phoenix and Yuma, Arizona, and Palm Springs, California, approaching 115 degrees this afternoon. This translates to high temperatures that are 6-10 degrees above average highs.”
The National Weather Service said in some extreme heat warnings: “Do not leave young children and pets in unattended vehicles. Car interiors will reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes.”
The National Weather Service forecast office Phoenix said on X, formerly Twitter, Saturday: “As of 3:50 p.m. MST, Phoenix Sky Harbor has reached a record high temperature of 114 degrees for today’s date. This breaks the previous record of 113 degrees last set in 2011.”
NWS Miami, Florida said on X, Sunday: “Heat Advisory again today as heat index values reach 105 degrees or higher across much of SoFlo. Showers and thunderstorms will again favor the Lake region with prevailing SSE winds.”
What Happens Next
At the time of writing, the latest extreme heat warning was in force until 8 p.m. MST on Friday.
Regular forecast updates are issued by the NWS on its website and social media channels.