The weekend will see temperatures over 110 degrees
As temperatures continue to rise this weekend, Phoenix could break another record during what has already been a record-breaking summer.
Phoenix residents can expect a high of 114 degrees on Saturday, breaking the previous historic record of 111 degrees set on Sept. 9, according to the National Weather Service in Phoenix. Sunday’s high temperature is expected to reach 112 degrees, just above the historic high of 111 degrees on September 10.
The weather service has issued an extreme heat warning from 10am on Saturday until 8pm on Sunday, advising residents to stay indoors between 10am and 6pm on both days and be careful about heat illness.
Phoenix could break another record: the highest number of days over 110 degrees in a year. The weather service on Friday recorded a high of 110 degrees, matching the 2020 record of 53 days above 110 degrees that year.
With those numbers expected to be surpassed this weekend, 2023 could be the hottest year ever recorded in Phoenix.
“We’ll probably get to 110 degrees on Saturday so we can break it on Saturday,” said Matthew Hirsch, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service.
The good news is that a little cooler weather is on the horizon.
“We won’t go back below 110 until Tuesday,” Hirsch said. “Then highs should stay around 101 or 102.”
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Tucson could also see record heat
Tucson residents will see a slightly cooler weekend than those in central Arizona, but not by much.
“We’re looking at Saturday highs at 108 degrees and Sunday at 107 degrees,” said Chris Rasmussen, a meteorologist with the Weather Service in Tuscon.
“The previous records for those days were 105 and 107, both set in 1990,” Rasmussen said.
He said things are expected to calm down by Monday and said there is a possibility of storms affecting most of Arizona by midweek.
“We’re feeling some disturbances that will be across the state of Arizona, and that should provide some sort of return of some showers and thunderstorms,” Rasmussen told the Arizona Republic.
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Chances of rain in Flagstaff
Those looking to avoid 100-degree weather should look north.
“It’s getting warm here, but we’re not really looking to break any heat records,” said Reggie Rooks, a meteorologist with the Weather Service in Flagstaff.
Flagstaff residents can expect to see highs in the low 80s on Saturday and Sunday with light rain possible during the day. By Monday, highs should drop into the upper 70s.
How to deal with heat
Arizonans may feel like this is nothing new after this summer’s extreme heat waves, but Hirsch hopes they stay vigilant.
“People shouldn’t let their guard down. Even though it’s September, and we’re a little below the previous record temperatures, people should take it seriously,” Hirsch said.
The Arizona Department of Health Services has provided tips for preventing heat-related illness:
- drink water: It is recommended to drink at least 2 liters of water per day if people are staying indoors 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, and it is recommended to wear a hat or use an umbrella when outdoors.
- 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.
- Slow down and avoid stressful activities: It is recommended to engage in strenuous activities only during the coolest hours of the day, between 4 and 7 a.m
- Stay inside.
- Take breaks when engaging in physical activity: Take a break in a cool place when doing an outdoor activity on a hot day.
