Excessive heat warning issued for Yuma today
The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat warning for the area today, and the only measurable moisture Yuma-area residents will likely see this week is perspiration.
The warning goes into effect starting at 10 a.m. today and will last until about 8 p.m. for Yuma, Graham, Greenlee, La Paz, Pima and Pinal counties.
According to the NWS, daytime highs are expected to be in the 105-to-113- degrees Fahrenheit range.
“We just have very strong high pressure, which is fairly typical for this time of year, but it’s definitely a little stronger than it normally is,” said Marvin Percha, a meteorologist with the NWS in Phoenix. “We are probably in a lot of sinking air and as a result we are getting into very hot temperatures.”
Percha added that while temperatures are expected to be high, no records are expected to be broken. As for feeling the effects of Hurricane Bud, a storm spinning off Mexico’s west coast, Percha noted that it is unlikely that Yuma will see much rain, with only about a 10 to 15 percent chance this weekend.
“Right now we are watching what may happen with moisture from Hurricane Bud,” Percha said. “Especially from about Friday afternoon onward. It definitely looks like at least some moisture is going to be moving into the region, but it’s just a matter of how much. Right now as far as the Yuma area, it looks like the bulk of it is going to stay to the east of Yuma. We currently have very slight chances for rain.
“We are not expecting a whole lot of rain in the Yuma area, but there is a slight possibility that you could get some rain there perhaps from Friday night into Saturday,” he added.
During this hot period, the NWS advises residents to stay cool, stay hydrated and stay informed. A few precautions the NWS recommends to take to prevent heat exhaustion or heatstroke include staying in air-conditioned buildings, limiting outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day (mid-day) and drinking water before, during and after working or exercising outside.
The NWS also suggests to checking on at-risk friends, family and neighbors such as the elderly, the sick and those without air conditioning at least twice a day.
The agency notes that hot temperatures of 105 or above can increase potential for heat-related illness. Those at risk include those working or being active outdoors during the daytime or those without access to adequate air conditioning.
NWS advises people to never leave pets or kids unattended in cars, and to avoid sugar, alcohol and caffeine. While spending time outdoors, the agency suggests wearing light-colored clothing with a wide-brimmed hat to kept the head and body cooler. Frequent rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned environments are also helpful.
The NWS web page states that early symptoms of heat-related illness include headache, thirst and muscle cramps.
Serious symptoms include weakness, skin that is cool to the touch, fast but weak pulse, nausea and fainting. The agency lists severe symptoms as hot and red dry skin, fast and strong pulse, sweating that has stopped, and unconsciousness.
The NWS also warns that untreated heat illness can lead to fatal heatstroke.
Locations open to the public with air conditioning include libraries, community centers, government buildings and special refuge stations. For more information on heat safety, visit www.weather.gov/safety/heat