Weather Service warns of dangerous temps: 116° possible
The National Weather Service is warning of record heat in Southern Arizona for Friday and Saturday, with temperatures spiking as high as 10 degrees above normal. People and pets outdoors or without air conditioning will face an elevated risk of heat-related illness as the mercury climbs as high as 116 degrees.
An upper-level ridge of high pressure will bring dangerously high temperatures to the desert Southwest this weekend, NWS said. Daytime highs are expected to reach near-record levels. An excessive heat warning has been issued for locations below 4,000 feet, effective 11 a.m. Friday through 9 p.m. Saturday.
"Extra precaution should be taken by children, the elderly, and other sensitive groups to avoid heat-related illnesses, which can be fatal," the Weather Service said. Anyone working or spending time outside should take extra precautions, and reschedule strenuous outdoor activity to the early morning or late evening hours, NWS said.
"Never leave kids or pets unattended in cars ... and bring pets inside," the Weather Service said.
The most extreme heat is forecast for the Tucson area and northwest to the Phoenix metro area, and across Arizona's western desert.
Covered by the warning are western Pima County, including the Tohono O'odham Nation and Ajo, the Tucson metro area, Altar Valley, southern Pinal County, and the upper San Pedro River valley, as well as eastern Cochise County in areas below 5,000 feet.
In addition to Tucson, excessive heat is forecast for Nogales, Green Valley, Sells, Marana, Vail, Picacho Peak, Mammoth, Benson, Clifton and Safford, the Weather Service said.
Friday's afternoon highs will range from 110-116 from Tucson westward, with 106-110 in some parts of the eastern Tucson valley. "Overnight lows will only fall into the mid-70s to lower 80s," NWS said.
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