Record-setting and dangerous heat forecast for Valley over next few days

A dangerous heat wave was headed to Arizona on Thursday, lasting through Saturday night. Experts warned residents to stay safe and take extra precautions, as record-breaking temperatures and dryness are expected for the upcoming days.

“This heat is rare, and dangerous and deadly,” said James Sawtelle, a meteorologist for the National Weather Service in Phoenix.

The extremely hot temperatures will have a good chance of setting a couple of daily record highs for late July, according to Sawtelle.

Thursday broke the daily record at 116 degrees Fahrenheit around 2:30 p.m., exceeding the 115 degree record that was set in 1934, according to a Tweet by the weather service.

Friday is also expected to hit 116 degrees, exceeding the previous record of 115 degrees.

The Weather Service issued an excessive heat warning for areas of south central Arizona, including Phoenix-area cities and communities, that will remain in effect until Saturday. Although, the warning may be extended further, Sawtelle said .

On top of that, Phoenix is in its 15th consecutive day of above 90-degree low temperatures, as the low Thursday morning was 91 degrees, making 2020 tied in first place for the highest number of above-90 degree lows in a calendar year, according to a tweet by the National Weather Service.

Friday is expected to break that record.

The heat is coming from a high pressure loft that is “parked” above Arizona, Sawtelle said. The high pressure loft is “unusually strong,” blocking out the usual moisture cycles from Mexico that Arizona would normally be expe

riencing this time of year.

Instead, the moisture tracks have been cut off and disrupted, making “for a very dry situation,” Sawtelle said.

The heat risk ranges from high to very high, as temperatures could range from 115 to 118 degrees, especially in areas of western Arizona.

While the extremely dry conditions don’t allow for good chances of rain in Phoenix, “We could see an uptick in thunderstorms sometime in the middle to later next week, in far eastern or far southeastern Arizona,” Sawtelle said.

Sawtelle advised Arizona residents to take extra precautions not to accidentally lock pets or children in cars, and check on family and friends to make sure they’re OK.

In a tweet, the Weather Service said residents should also avoid strenuous activity, cancel outdoor activities, seek air conditioned buildings, prepare for hot overnight temperatures and hydrate (even before they feel thirsty).

“Temperatures during this time of a year are rare and dangerous,” Sawtelle said. “You just have to really be on guard and respect the heat.”