An excessive heat warning has been issued for Pima County
The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat warning for Pima County, which runs from 10 a.m. Saturday to 8 p.m. Sunday.
Dangerously hot conditions were forecast. Afternoon temperatures are expected to range between 105 and 113 degrees.
Affected areas include: western Pima County, Tohono O’odham Nation, metro Tucson, south-central Pinal County, and southeastern Pinal County.
Specific areas involved include: south-central Pinal County, including Eloy and Picacho Peak State Park; southeastern Pinal County, including Kearny, Mammoth, and Oracle; Tohono O’odham Nation, including Sells; Tucson area, including Tucson, Green Valley, Marana, Vail; Western Pima County, including Ajo and Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument.
For the latest watches and warnings, see our weather alerts page.
Climate data from the federal government shows the Southwest has become noticeably hotter over the past decade. The region experienced the most pronounced temperature rise in the country during that period, an increase that federal meteorologists said clearly reflects the impact of global warming.
In cities and surrounding areas, developed areas become noticeably hotter than the surrounding desert through an urban “heat island” effect, where asphalt, concrete and exposed surfaces absorb the sun’s heat and push temperatures higher.
In knowledge:
What is the difference between heatstroke, heat exhaustion and dehydration?
Hot weather tips
The Arizona Department of Health Services has tips for preventing heat-related illness:
- drink water: Drink at least 2 liters of water a day if you stay inside all day. Those who spend time outside should drink 1 to 2 liters per hour while outside.
- Dress for heat: Wear light and light colored clothes. Sunscreen should always be applied to exposed skin. Wear a hat or use an umbrella when you are outside.
- Eat small meals and eat often: Avoid foods that are high in protein, which increases metabolic heat.
- Monitoring people at risk: Check on friends, family, or others for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
- Slower: Do strenuous activity only during the coolest hours of the day, between 4 and 7 a.m
- Stay inside.
- Take breaks: Take a break in a cool place when doing physical activity outside on a hot day.
This article was created by the Arizona Republic and the USA TODAY Network using data from the National Weather Service. Edited by a staff member.
