The National Weather Service has extended the time of the Excessive Heat Warning for seven Arizona counties: Graham, Greenlee, Maricopa, Pima, Pinal, Santa Cruz and Coconino (areas below 4,000 feet). The warning remains in effect through Friday, July 7, 2023.
Daytime temperatures in some areas is expected to be up to 116 degrees.
During an Excessive Heat Warning, everyone is at higher risk of getting sick or dying from the heat.
What Can You Do?
Stay Cool
- Move outdoor activities to an air-conditioned space
- If keeping students indoors is not an option, reschedule activities to the morning
- Facilitate any outdoor activities in the shade as much as possible
- Encourage children to wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing
Stay Hydrated
- Provide frequent hydration breaks before, during, and after being outdoors (8 gulps of water recommended every 15 minutes)
Stay Informed
- Check the weather forecast for your local temperature, humidity, and UV index
- Check out NWS today’s heat risk map for more localized information regarding the excessive heat warning
Be SunWise
- Encourage staff and students to wear hats, sunglasses, and lightweight clothing
- Encourage the use and reapplication of SPF 30+ sunscreen
Monitor children for symptoms of heat-related illness.
Everyone is at risk for heat-related illness, but young children are at even greater risk because of physical and behavioral characteristics. Act quickly if a student shows signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
Additional Resources for Arizona Schools
Managing Extreme Heat Recommendations for Schools
Does your district or school have a heat policy? Refer to the Managing Extreme Heat Recommendations for Schools: Pilot Version for recommendations on how to keep K-12 students safe from the heat based on the environment and resources.
The Arizona SunWise Skin Cancer Prevention School Program promotes sun safety among staff and students. Visit them online at azdhs.gov/SunWise for free sun safety materials and activities, such as the Teacher’s Guidebook and a sun safety tip sheet.
