How hot will it be in Phoenix this weekend? Here's what we know

Michelle Cruz, Arizona Republic
·2 min read

Residents were urged to keep their water bottles close by this weekend as high temperatures were forecast to break into the triple digits in metro Phoenix.

Officials recommended taking those hikes and dog walks early in the morning or later in the evening. They also suggested keeping the children and pets well-hydrated, too.

An upper-level ridge of high pressure was expected to move over the southwest desert on Friday and Saturday, enough to push daytime high temperatures between 6 to 8 degrees above normal, according to a National Weather Service report for Phoenix.

"Forecast highs across the lower deserts for Friday and Saturday are mostly in the upper 90s to the lower 100s, while overnight lows range from the mid-60s over rural desert areas to as warm as the mid-70s in central Phoenix," the weather service report stated.

The above-normal temperatures would continue through the weekend. The high temperature Thursday was expected to be in the mid-90s with lows dropping into the low 70s at night. But the high temperatures this weekend were slated to be 100 degrees on Friday and 101 and 99 on Saturday and Sunday, respectively.

Next week, a pair of dry upper-level systems were expected to weaken as they move into the southwest desert later on Monday into Tuesday. They would help reduce temperatures back to around normal with highs in the low to mid-90s on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, the weather service reported.

Staying safe in hot weather

With Phoenix temperatures on the rise, the Arizona Department of Health Services provided the following tips to prevent heat-related illness:

  • Drink water: It is recommended to drink at least 2 liters of water per day if people are staying inside all day. Those who spend time outdoors should drink 1 to 2 liters per hour they are outside.

  • Dress for the heat: wear light-weight and light-colored clothing. Sunscreen should always be applied to exposed skin and it is recommended to wear a hat or use an umbrella when outdoors.

  • Eat small meals and eat more often: They recommend avoiding foods high in protein that increase metabolic heat.

  • Monitor those at risk: Check on friends, family or others for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke.

  • Slow down and avoid strenuous activity: It is recommended to only do strenuous activity during the coolest hours of the day, between 4 a.m. and 7 a.m.

  • Stay indoors.

  • Take breaks when engaged in physical activity: Take a break in a cool place when doing outdoor activity on a hot day.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: How hot will it be in Phoenix this weekend? Here's what we know