PHOENIX — Scorching temperatures are in store for the southwestern U.S. over the next several days, with cities like Phoenix, Las Vegas and Palm Springs in California expected to top 110 degrees.
It's expected to reach 106 in Tucson today and 110 degree temperatures are expected here Saturday and Sunday.
Parts of New Mexico and Texas also will see triple-digits.
Heat is part of the normal routine of summertime in the desert, but weather forecasters say that doesn't mean people should feel at ease. Excessive heat causes more deaths in the U.S. than other weather-related disasters, including hurricanes, floods and tornadoes combined.
“Though weather conditions are going to be nice, you have to limit your outdoor activities significantly," said Gabriel Lojero of the National Weather Service in Phoenix.
The temperatures forecast through Monday are the highest yet this year. Scientists say more frequent and intense heat waves are likely in the future because of climate change and a deepening drought.
The effects of spiking temperatures are felt most acutely among vulnerable populations, including people without homes and workers who labor outside. Homeless people are about 200 times more likely to die from heat-associated causes, said David Hondula, a climate scientist who leads the city of Phoenix's Office of Heat Response and Mitigation.
At least 130 homeless individuals were among the 339 people who died from heat-associated causes last year in Maricopa County. Phoenix already is considered the hottest big city in the United States. A heat wave last summer pushed temperatures up to 118 degrees.
Most everyone in central and southern Arizona, southern Nevada and southeast California will be at risk for heat-related illness if they don't take proper precautions, Lojero said. Those include wearing light-colored clothing, staying hydrated and seeking shade if they need to go outside.
Temperatures are expected to tie or break records, even at night when it's cooler, before dropping overall early next week.
Phoenix and Yuma are forecast to be just shy of 115 degrees on Saturday when the heat peaks across the region. Blythe and El Centro in California will be at or above that temperature. Las Vegas will top out at 111 degrees during the heat wave, the National Weather Service said.
Phantom Ranch at the bottom of the Grand Canyon also will see triple-digit temperatures — a reminder that the weather changes drastically from the canyon's rim to its inner depths. Heat was a factor in the June 2 death of a woman who was hiking back up the popular Bright Angel Trail after reaching the Colorado River the same day — something the park advises against doing, especially during the hottest times of the day, said Angela Boyers, the chief ranger.
Thomas De Masters, a seasonal ranger at the park, wears a sun-protective hoodie under his shirt, a hat and soaks his clothing whenever he passes a water station. He spends much of his time talking to visitors to get a sense of whether they're prepared for what they've planned and whether it's safe. Among the tips he offers is resting in the shade for an hour and aggressively cooling down with water if the heat becomes too much.
“It's very hot, no doubt about that,” he said Wednesday. “There's almost always a week like this in June. We just hope we can get out there and talk to people enough.”
Check out some innovative and sometimes overlooked energy-saving strategies that can help you and your wallet survive Tucson's summer swelter.
Some places in New Mexico also are expected to see temperatures that could break records over the weekend. Thunderstorms over the next couple of days could cause flash flooding in areas that have been scorched by wildfire, forecasters said.
While temperatures had cooled this week in Texas, the heat is building through the weekend.
The sizzling numbers come ahead of the annual rainy season in the Southwest, known simply as the monsoon, that starts in mid-June and runs through September. Weather experts say the phenomenon has equal chances of being above, below and normal this year in Arizona.
9 hiking tips to help keep you safe in Tucson weather
Bring the essentials
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Hikers start up the Finger Rock Canyon Trail north of Tucson. There’s no need to hike the entire route.
Ten essential items to carry on a hike:
- Navigation: map, compass, GPS
- Sun protection: hat, sunscreen, long sleeves
- Insulation: extra clothing such as jacket, fleece
- Illumination: headlamp, flashlight
- First-aid kit
- Fire: matches, lighter
- Repair kit and tools: multi-tool, whistle, signal mirror
- Nutrition: extra food
- Hydration: extra water
- Emergency shelter: large plastic bag, space blanket
In an emergency, call 911
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A sign at the entrance to the Pima Canyon Trail warns hikers of dangers after the Bighorn Fire damages hiking areas.
In the event of an emergency, call 911 or send someone to get help.
Check your water
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The Adams family, from Denver, stops for a water break along the Bear Canyon Trail at Sabino Canyon.
Bringing water with you should be a given. But it's important to turn around before half of your water is gone.
The Pima County Sheriff's Department recommends bringing along around one liter of water for each hour you'll be hiking.
Communicate
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Groups of people walk at Sabino Canyon Recreation Area in Tucson, Ariz., on September 21, 2020.
It's always important to communicate with your friends and family. Tell a responsible person where you are hiking and when you expect to be back.
Do not hike alone
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In 2019, Saguaro National Park attracted more than 1 million visitors for the first time in the park’s history.
It's always best to hike with other people. Plus, it's more fun to venture into hiking trails when you have friends or family with you.
Bring your phone
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Judy Scharringhausen takes a picture of a patch of greenery along the Bear Canyon trail at Sabino Canyon Recreational Area, 5700 N. Sabino Canyon Rd., in Tucson, Ariz. on July 26th, 2021.
Take a fully charged cell phone with you. Turn your phone off or place it in airplane mode to save its battery life. You never know when you'll need it.
Your cell phone may not work in the back country. You may have to move to a higher or more open location to place a call.
Check the weather beforehand
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Several bolts strike in the foothills of the southern Rincon Mountains as an intense monsoon cell rolls into Vail, Ariz., July 30, 2021.
Plan your hike so you are not hiking during the hottest part of the day or when monsoon storms are likely to cause heavy rains, lightning, and flooding. Always check the day's weather before leaving for your hike.
Know your limits
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Hikers find cooler temperatures in forests of the Catalina Mountains than in desert areas.
Hike within your ability. Know what's within reasonable distance or elevation for you.
Stay away from wildlife
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A pair of deer watch from the cover of tall grasses as a hiker passes nearby in Madera Canyon south of Tucson.
While on a hike, you're bound to see some animals.
The Pima County Sheriff's Department recommends keeping a safe distance from desert wildlife.
