Excessive heat warning issued for Graham, Greenlee Counties

The National Weather Service has extended an excessive heat warning for nine Arizona Counties: Coconino, Graham, Greenlee, Maricopa, Pinal, Yavapai, and Yuma from 10 AM this morning (7/15/19) through tomorrow (7/16/19) at 8 PM.

Daytime temperatures are expected to range between 108 – 115 degrees Fahrenheit. The forecast high for Graham county is about 108 degrees, while the high temp for Greenlee County appears to be Duncan with an expected high of 104 degrees.

During Arizona’s hottest months, the National Weather Service (NWS) Weather Forecast Offices (WFOs) issue weather alerts to notify the public when unusually hot weather is expected. These alerts are intended to raise the public’s awareness to prevent heat illness and death from occurring and mitigate financial impacts. When the NWS issues an alert, it should serve as a signal that on that day outdoor activities are not “business as usual.”

Studies have shown that our bodies have a greater ability to tolerate heat as the summer wears on. For example, a temperature of 105 degrees in May will seem hot, whereas the same temperature in June or July will not seem as hot because our bodies have acclimated to the heat. Hence, there is not one single, constant temperature used by the NWS WFO Phoenix to determine when an alert will be issued.

Safety Information

The negative effects of excessive heat can be easily avoided. Some simple steps you can take include:

  • Slow down. Strenuous activities should be reduced, eliminated, or rescheduled to the coolest time of the day. Individuals at risk should stay in the coolest available place, not necessarily indoors.
  • Dress for summer. Lightweight light-colored clothing reflects heat and sunlight, and helps your body maintain normal temperatures.
  • Put less fuel on your inner fires. Foods (like proteins) that increase metabolic heat production also increase water loss.
  • Drink plenty of water or other non-alcohol fluids. Your body needs water to keep cool. Drink plenty of fluids even if you don’t feel thirsty. Persons who (1) have epilepsy or heart, kidney, or liver disease, (2) are on fluid restrictive diets or (3) have a problem with fluid retention should consult a physician before increasing their consumption of fluids.
  • Spend more time in air-conditioned places. Air conditioning in homes and other buildings markedly reduces danger from the heat. If you cannot afford an air conditioner, spending some time each day (during hot weather) in an air conditioned environment affords some protection.
  • Don’t get too much sun. Sunburn makes the job of heat dissipation that much more difficult.

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