The National Weather Service says the Tucson metro area faces excessive heat over the long July 4th holiday weekend, from Saturday, July 1, through Tuesday, July 4.
And monsoon rain is likely still a few weeks away, University of Arizona climate scientist Michael Crimmins said in a UA news release Thursday, though he added that the heat does help spur its arrival.
The weather service predicts โdangerously hot conditionsโ and record to near-record temperatures in the metro area, including Tucson, Green Valley, Marana and Vail.
High temperatures between 107 and 112 under clear skies are predicted at Tucson International Airport, where the cityโs official weather readings are recorded.
The weather service issued an excessive heat warning for Sunday and Monday and a slightly less urgent excessive heat watch for Saturday and Tuesday.
โExtreme heat will significantly increase the potential for heat related illnesses, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities,โ it says.
โIf doing any outdoor activities this weekend drink plenty of water and take breaks. Remember, heat is the No. 1 weather-related killer in Arizona.โ
The weather service also reminds people to โlook before you lockโ car doors, to make sure no children or pets are accidentally left in hot cars.
The excessive heat warning extends to a huge swath of Southern Arizona, west from Tucson to the California state line.
The monsoon season officially started on June 15 but the rain has yet to fall in the Tucson area, though there were scattered showers and thunderstorms in Cochise County Wednesday.
Climate models have predicted a late start to the rain and potentially a season that with slightly less than the 5.5-inch average rainfall for Tucson, the UAโs news release noted.
The heat is a good sign, though, for those hoping the summer storms start soon, Crimmins said.
โMoisture that fuels monsoon rain usually hitches a ride up from the south โ including the Pacific Ocean and Gulf of Mexico,โ the UA release said. โSoaring temperatures are usually a signal that moisture can start making its way northward.โ
โUntil rain arrives, wildfire risk continues to climb,โ the release noted, quoting Molly Hunter, a UA fire ecologist, pointing out that the greenery that flourished after winter rain and snow in Arizona continues to dry out.
Six fires are burning about 17,000 acres in Arizona, according to the National Interagency Fire Center, UA said.
โThere are a lot of ignitions right now, but not a lot of acreage burning, yet,โ Hunter said. โWeโre entering a critical period and can expect a lot of activity before the rain hits. Before the monsoon, we typically get a lot of lightning. Itโs dry, hot and very windy. That sets up critical fire conditions.โ
The National Weather Service's 2023 monsoon outlook recaps last year's weather and provides what to expect this summer.
Photos: Tucson's 25th Annual 4th of July Fireworks Celebration
Tucson's 25th Annual 4th of July Fireworks Celebration
Updated
A person sits on top of a car while watching a small firework light up in the parking lot during the Tucson Convention Center before The City of Tucson's 25th Annual 4th of July Fireworks Celebration at the TCC in Tucson, Ariz. on July 4, 2022.
Tucson's 25th Annual 4th of July Fireworks Celebration
Updated
Fireworks light up during the grand finale of The City of Tucson's 25th Annual 4th of July Fireworks Celebration at The Tucson Convention Center in Tucson, Ariz. on July 4, 2022.
Tucson's 25th Annual 4th of July Fireworks Celebration
Updated
Lia Saceanu, 13, sits on top of a car taking pictures on her phone while the sun sets behind her during The City of Tucson's 25th Annual 4th of July Fireworks Celebration at The Tucson Convention Center in Tucson, Ariz. on July 4, 2022.
Tucson's 25th Annual 4th of July Fireworks Celebration
Updated
Hannah Ramos, 16, center, smiles while her and her sister Hazel Ramos, 14, left, and Hailey Ramos, 19, light their sparklers during The City of Tucson's 25th Annual 4th of July Fireworks Celebration at The Tucson Convention Center in Tucson, Ariz. on July 4, 2022.
Tucson's 25th Annual 4th of July Fireworks Celebration
Updated
Nicolas DeBortoli, 18, center left, and his brother Tyler DeBortoli, 19, watch the fireworks show from the top of their familyโs van during The City of Tucsonโs 25th Annual 4th of July Fireworks Celebration at the Tucson Convention Center in Tucson on July 4.
Tucson's 25th Annual 4th of July Fireworks Celebration
Updated
Family members hangout on the top of their vehicle while waiting for the fireworks show during The City of Tucson's 25th Annual 4th of July Fireworks Celebration at The Tucson Convention Center in Tucson, Ariz. on July 4, 2022.
Tucson's 25th Annual 4th of July Fireworks Celebration
Updated
Aricela Vielma, 3, smiles while trying to pop a large bubble during The City of Tucson's 25th Annual 4th of July Fireworks Celebration at The Tucson Convention Center in Tucson, Ariz. on July 4, 2022.
Tucson's 25th Annual 4th of July Fireworks Celebration
Updated
Joey St.Ores, right, sits with his wife Theresa St.Ores and their dog Polar St.Ores, a 3-year-old Shepard and Siberian huskie mix, while waiting for The City of Tucson's 25th Annual 4th of July Fireworks Celebration at The Tucson Convention Center in Tucson, Ariz. on July 4, 2022.ย
Tucson's 25th Annual 4th of July Fireworks Celebration
Updated
Viewers sit in front of the Tucson Convention Center's parking lot while watching the fireworks show during The City of Tucson's 25th Annual 4th of July Fireworks Celebration at The Tucson Convention Center in Tucson, Ariz. on July 4, 2022.
Tucson's 25th Annual 4th of July Fireworks Celebration
Updated
A row of 5in in diameter tubes are covered with wrapping to keep them dry in preparation of The City of Tucson's 25th Annual 4th of July Fireworks Celebration at The Tucson Convention Center in Tucson, Ariz. on July 4, 2022.
Tucson's 25th Annual 4th of July Fireworks Celebration
Updated
Attendees wait in line for their food at Quesadillas & More's food truck during The City of Tucson's 25th Annual 4th of July Fireworks Celebration at The Tucson Convention Center in Tucson, Ariz. on July 4, 2022.
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