FIRST ALERT ACTION DAY: Tracking extreme heat and humidity

A Weather Authority First Alert Action Day is in effect through Thursday night due to extreme heat and high humidity. Make sure to practice heat safety at all hours of the day. Also tracking showers and thunderstorms being possible.

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) - Tracking hot and humid conditions for the Desert Southwest, which is why I issued a Weather Authority First Alert Action Day NOW-Thursday night due to extreme and dangerous heat plus high humidity.

When it is hot and we have higher humidity it makes it feel hotter and also makes it harder to cool down. Moist air limits evaporation which make it harder too cool the body and also feels very uncomfortable.

That is why it is very important to practice heat safety to prevent heat-related illnesses.

An Extreme Heat WARNING is in effect until 8 pm Thursday due to the hot and humid conditions. It includes parts of Yuma and Imperial Counties, but it includes both Yuma and Imperial Valley.

These areas will have major heat risks and highs between 106-116 degrees with overnight lows between 85-91 degrees.

Looking at the next 48 hours the humidity will be high and dew points will remain elevated in the 50s and 60s. It will feel very muggy and sticky!

With this heat and humidity, there will be no relief throughout the day or night.

Tracking a warm and humid night! Today is also National Mac and Cheese Day, so it would be a good idea to celebrate by dining indoors to stay cool.

A ridge of high pressure is in place, which is why we have extreme heat. Plus, with the south/southeasterly flow, it is steering some monsoonal moisture, keeping the Desert Southwest hot and humid. This will also allow heat index values to trend higher.

With the higher moisture will still allow opportunities for isolated and scattered showers and thunderstorms to develop in the Desert Southwest.

Tracking rain and storm potential tomorrow afternoon through Thursday. Remember if thunderstorms do develop it could lead to flooding and gusty winds. Always be storm ready!

A Weather Authority First Alert Action Day will stay in place through Thursday night for the high heat and humidity. There is also chance for showers and thunderstorms through the week.

Tracking cooler temperatures and possible rain chances later this week and early next week.