FORECAST: Extreme heat & air quality alerts

Extreme Heat Warnings are in effect across much of central, southern and western Arizona through Saturday evening as temperatures continue to soar above 110 degrees each day. So, we remain in ABC15 Weather Action Mode this week as a reminder to take action to protect yourself, your family and your pets from the dangerous heat.

Extreme heat and air quality alerts this week

By: Jorge Torres

PHOENIX — Dangerous heat is impacting Arizona this week.

Phoenix hit 117 degrees Wednesday afternoon, tying the daily record set in 2011.

It also marked the ninth day this year at 115 or hotter. That's the fourth most on record behind 2023, 2020 and 2024 (in that order). The average number of days per year this hot is two.

Our overnight lows haven't cooled down either.

Phoenix dropped to 91 degrees Wednesday morning, marking the 24th day this year with a low of 90 degrees or hotter. That's the fourth most on record behind 2024, 2023 and 2020 (in that order). The average number of days per year this warm at night is seven.

Extreme Heat Warnings are in effect across much of central, southern and western Arizona through Saturday evening as temperatures continue to soar above 110 degrees each day.

So, we remain in ABC15 Weather Action Mode this week as a reminder to take action to protect yourself, your family and your pets from the dangerous heat.

Stay hydrated, limit your time outside between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., and bring your pets inside too. If you have to be outside, wear lightweight, light-colored clothing and take frequent breaks in the shade or air conditioning.

We are also tracking air quality alerts in the Valley.

An Ozone High Pollution Advisory is in effect on Thursday, and an Ozone High Pollution Watch is in effect for Friday.

Ozone pollution can trigger asthma attacks, aggravate bronchitis and other lung diseases, and weaken the body's ability to fight infection. If you have asthma, COPD or any respiratory condition, stay inside during the afternoon when pollution peaks.

Kids, older adults and anyone exercising outside may feel the effects, too. Watch for itchy eyes, nose and throat, along with wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath and chest pain.

We can all keep the problem from getting worse. Carpool, take public transportation or work from home if you can. Refuel your gas-powered vehicles after dark and avoid idling in long drive-thru lines.

Monsoon storms will fire up in the heat of the day across the high country and in areas just east of the Valley on Thursday. There is a slight chance of a few isolated storms making it into the Phoenix metro area late Thursday night.

Then, high pressure will start to shift east, allowing for more monsoon moisture to flow in. Storm chances will increase over the weekend as temperatures start to drop.