An excessive heat warning for Tucson is in place beginning at 10 a.m. Saturday through Monday night as forecasters expect Saturdayโ€™s high to reach 111 degrees.

Tucson may rewrite the weather record books this weekend.

Old Pueblo inhabitants could experience temperatures above 110 degrees both Saturday and Sunday, weather officials say.

An excessive heat warning is in place beginning at 10 a.m. Saturday through Monday night as forecasters expect Saturdayโ€™s high to reach 111 degrees, which would match the dayโ€™s record set in 1958. For Sunday, a 113-degree high would eclipse the record of 110 degrees set on July 12, 2005.

Typically, the warning is in place when temperatures are expected to be 105 degrees or higher for at least two days.

Construction crews started laying the foundation for a 30-foot tall border wall across the San Pedro River in Cochise County. As of July 8, they already built about a half-mile of wall to the east of the river.ย 

The National Weather Service says residents should take precautions: If working outside, stay hydrated and remain in the shade as often as possible; residents should limit strenuous outdoor activities; and motorists should check for people and pets before exiting their vehicle.

Meanwhile, as weather officials advise residents to stay indoors, if possible, the same canโ€™t be said for firefighters battling the Bighorn Fire thatโ€™s still burning in the Santa Catalina Mountains.

Fire officials are not too worried about this weekendโ€™s heat increasing the likelihood of fire activity, as the 119,200-acre blaze stands at about 85% containment.

However, there are worries for the well-being of crews working in extreme heat.

โ€œThatโ€™s our primary concern right now because the fire is in pretty good shape,โ€ Bighorn Fire officials said in a statement.

โ€œItโ€™s really about the crews staying hydrated, rested, not overexerting themselves because theyโ€™re already carrying 45 pounds of gear and hiking in and out. We want to keep our people healthy and safe. We want to end with a good safety record.โ€


Become a #ThisIsTucson member! Your contribution helps our team bring you stories that keep you connected to the community. Become a member today.

Contact Star reporter Shaq Davis at 573-4218 or sdavis@tucson.com

On Twitter: @ShaqDavis1