File Photo By Jordan Evans/Cronkite News: The National Weather Service has issued an Excessive Heat Warning for southern Arizona for Tuesday – Thursday.
National Weather Service issues Excessive Heat Warning
By Jon Johnson
ARIZONA – The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued an Excessive Heat Warning for Southeast Arizona below 5,000 feet in elevation for Tuesday, from 11 a.m. until Thursday at 8 p.m.
The warning includes the Gila Valley communities of Pima, Thatcher, and Safford, as well as Willcox and Clifton, and the upper Gila Valley. Temperatures are expected to be about 106 to 107 degrees on Wednesday and Thursday.
According to the release, extreme heat will significantly increase the potential for heat-related illness, especially for those working outside. Overexposure to heat can cause cramps, and heat exhaustion and can lead to heat stroke without intervention.
Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids and staying out of the sun in an air-conditioned room if possible. Be extra vigilant while transporting children or pets to ensure they are not left in a vehicle. Temperatures can rise quickly in vehicles, leading to death.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 29 children died of heatstroke in vehicles in 2023. Heatstroke in children can begin when their core body temperature reaches about 104 degrees with death possible when the core body temperature reaches 107 degrees.
The NWS urges people who work or spend time outside to take extra precautions during the warning and reschedule strenuous activities to the early morning or evening.
The NWS also encourages people to “wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing when possible. To reduce the risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location and EMS should be contacted.
