Excessive Heat Warning For Phoenix On Thursday

PHOENIX, AZ —The National Weather Service's excessive heat warning remains in effect for Thursday in portions of south central and southwest Arizona, including the Phoenix area.

According to the NWS, the warning will be in effect from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. in the Phoenix area. During that time, dangerously hot conditions will be present. The NWS forecast for Phoenix is for a high of 112 degrees on Thursday afternoon.

Overexposure to the heat can cause heat cramps and exhaustion. This can lead to heat stroke, which can be deadly, the NWS said.

Among the early signs of heat-related illness are thirst and muscle cramps. Signs of heat exhaustion may include: cool, moist, pale skin, headache, dizziness, weakness or exhaustion and nausea.

Signs of heat stroke, include: vomiting, confusion, throbbing headache, decreased alertness or loss of consciousness, high body temperature — above 105 degrees —hot and dry skin, rapid and weak pulse, shallow breathing and seizures.

Anyone exhibiting these signs or witnessing them in somebody else should call 911.

In order to prevent heat-related medical issues, the NWS advises people to stay indoors and seek air-conditioned buildings, drink more water than usual and avoid dehydrating alcoholic or sugary, caffeinated beverages.

People also should dress for the heat, wearing lightweight and light-colored clothing. The NWS also recommends eating small meals, though eating more often.

It's also important to monitor people with a higher vulnerability to heat, including small children and the elderly.

"Check in on family, friends and neighbors, especially the elderly," The NWS said in a statement. "If engaging in outdoor activity, take longer and more frequent breaks and avoid the hottest parts of the day. Never leave kids or pets unattended in cars."

For people who do not have access to air-conditioned shelter, public cooling facilities are available in many areas.

A list of cooling centers and hydration stations is available on the Maricopa Association of Governments page.

The NWS asks residents to monitor NWS forecasts, broadcast outlets and local government websites for heat-related updates.

Temperatures are expected to drop to a high of 109 degrees on Friday, and showers could be on the way this weekend, according to the NWS.

There is a 20-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after midnight on Friday, and a 40- percent chance of showers and thunderstorms on Saturday. Highs on Saturday could be near 104 degrees.

The NWS also said there is a 20-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms on Saturday night.