120° Summer heat warning issued
Yuma residents should watch themselves, their families, their friends, neighbors, animals, air conditioners, and vehicles as the first severe heat wave of the summer sears through the weekend and brings the potential for hitting 120 degrees.
The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat warning from 10 a.m. Saturday through 8 p.m. Wednesday for Yuma and La Paz counties, along with eastern Riverside County in California.
“We can only extend it to Wednesday right now, so tomorrow we might even extend it to Thursday, that’s always a possibility,” said Trevor Wilson, a meteorologist for the NWS in Phoenix Wednesday.
Wilson said an extra-strong ridge of high pressure will be overtaking much of the western U.S., particularly the deserts of the Southwest. “What that’s going to do is allow the temperatures to heat up rather quickly, by a few degrees each day, and (when) we get to Friday, you guys in Yuma are already going to be getting a 110. And that trend will continue through the weekend,” he said.
The “high” point of the heat in Yuma is predicted for Monday, with a high temperature of 119. “It’s certainly not out of the question to hit 120, which is pretty remarkable,” Wilson said. It should start cooling down by Tuesday, and Wednesday’s peak is forecast at 115.
“It’s still gonna be outrageously hot,” Wilson added. The ridge of high pressure is expected to gradually lift over the course of next week, but a major cooling trend is not expected in the foreseeable future.
Residents without access to adequate air conditioning, who are elderly or who are working or exercising outdoors are most at risk for heat-related illness, according to the NWS, which can result in fatal heat stroke.
Symptoms to look for include headache, thirst and muscle
cramps. Those with more serious cases could experience weakness, skin cool to the touch, fast but weak pulse, fainting or nausea.
Those in imminent danger have a strong, fast pulse, hot, dry and red skin, and may have stopped sweating or lost consciousness.
People can take precautionary measures including staying indoors, drinking more water and avoiding alcohol or caffeine, wearing light, protective clothing including hats while outdoors, and taking frequent breaks in shaded or air-conditioned spots, which can include government buildings, libraries and stores.
Make sure outside animals have adequate shade and water, and never leave a child or pet unattended in a hot car.
“The other advice we’re giving is be ready for a long-duration heat event,” Wilson added. “Have a plan if the power goes out, check on friends, family, neighbors, get water now.
“The other thing people don’t normally think of is check on your car and fluids. When it gets this hot cars can overheat, and the last thing you want is to be stranded out in the desert. Obviously, run your A/C (at home), despite cost. This is some dangerous heat we’re looking at.”
Yuma County spokesman Kevin Tunell said the Yuma Heat Relief program has an updated list of water and cooling centers for the city of Yuma and the Foothills available through the Yuma Fire Department website at www.yumaaz. gov/article/yuma-fire-department-press-releases/ cooling-centers-and-watersites. Water and cooling sites with weekend hours include:
• Crossroads Mission, 944 S. Arizona Ave, — open 24 hours.
• Walmart, 8151 E. 32nd St., Yuma — 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Sunday. • Starbucks, 2383 W. 24th St. — 4:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Monday-Friday, 4:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday and 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday.
• Salvation Army Thrift Store, 600 W. Catalina Ave, Yuma — open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
• Salvation Army Foothills Thrift Store, 11825 S. Fortuna Road. — 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
For more information, write yumaheatrelief@ gmail.org.