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MOST ACCURATE FORECAST: Extreme Heat Warnings this week across Arizona

We're in the midst of a string of Weather Action Days, as Valley high temperatures will range from 111 to 116 degrees for the rest of the workweek.

Stretch of Weather Action Days due to extreme heat

By: Jorge Torres

Posted

and last updated

PHOENIX — Arizona’s extreme heat isn’t letting up just yet!

Daytime highs in the Valley will range from 111 to 116 degrees each day through Friday.

Because of that, we’re keeping ABC15 Weather Action Days in place through the end of the week. It’s a reminder to take extra precautions to stay safe in this extreme heat.

Drink plenty of water, try to stay inside during the hottest parts of the day, usually between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m., and wear light-colored, breathable clothing.

If you do have to be outside, take breaks in the shade or indoors when you can, and remember to keep applying sunscreen throughout the day.

Never leave kids or pets in the car, and make sure your pets have a cool spot to stay inside during the heat of the day.

Extreme Heat Warnings remain in effect for the Valley and for the Grand Canyon below 4,000 feet through Friday. On top of that, more warnings kick in Wednesday for most of Maricopa and Mohave counties, and then Thursday for southern parts of the state.

A weak system moving through Tuesday will bring gusty winds, especially in northern and eastern Arizona. Those winds will raise the risk for wildfires, and Red Flag Warnings are in effect for the Mogollon Rim and White Mountains.

The hottest stretch of the week is expected from Wednesday through Friday, with Thursday likely being the peak. Phoenix could hit 116 degrees.

Air quality will also take a hit this week.

An Ozone High Pollution Advisory is in effect for the Valley on Wednesday.

Breathing in ozone can cause chest pain, coughing, throat irritation, and trouble breathing. The impacts can be even more serious for kids, older adults, and people with asthma, bronchitis, or other lung conditions. Try to limit your time outdoors in the afternoon when ozone levels are highest.

To help reduce pollution, you can carpool, take public transit, or work from home if that’s an option. If you drive a gas-powered car, wait until after dark to fill up, and try to avoid long drive-thru lines.

Several days this week could come close to breaking records for daily high temperatures. Even the higher elevations will be unusually warm, so escaping to the mountains might not offer much relief.

By the weekend, there’s some hope for a cool-down. A stronger system moving in from the Pacific Northwest could finally start to push temperatures down. We may even see numbers drop closer to or slightly below normal by early next week.

The monsoon officially began on Sunday, but for now, dry southwest winds are keeping moisture out of the state. Until the pattern shifts, the forecast remains dry, and fire danger stays elevated.