Heat Awareness Week
Weathercaster Melissa Zaremba is bringing the latest to help locals prepare for the extreme heat.
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY-TV) - Temperatures are heating up so we can expect many more hot days in the triple digits that’s why Governor Doug Ducey proclaimed today as the first day of Heat Awareness Week.
The heat season is here and from now until at least September we are going to be dealing with hot weather that could be dangerous and even deadly.
Heat is the number one weather-related killer in the country.
And 2021 was the deadliest on record with over 550 heat-related deaths in Arizona.
“The key thing is trying to stay in a cool area. Those who are impacted the most are the folks who are out doing strenuous activities,” said Tom Frieders from the National Weather Service Phoenix.
Extreme heat can increase the risk for heat-related illnesses like heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
“The initial stages for heat exhaustion, you know where people can get heavy sweating, involve pale skin, headaches, nausea and things like that,” said Frieders.
So it’s important to take the heat seriously.
“Then it gets more serious once you get into the heatstroke now your body temperature reaching up to 105-degrees which is way above normal and your body can’t control the cooling of itself,” said Frieders.
Locals may be used to the extremely hot temperatures but heat-related illness is preventable.
“Plan your day around that heat, stay hydrated, do less strenuous work outside and if you have to be outside do things in the morning and take frequent breaks,” said Frieders.
On the hottest days you’re encouraged to stay indoors in order to keep cool.
“Hopefully some light bulbs go off and say yeah I got to protect myself and keep an eye on family, friends, neighbors, the elderly, the young, and others who don’t have opportunities to stay cool,” said Frieders.
Sharing an air-conditioned space with friends and family is a good way to stay cool or find local cooling centers.
With the hotter days among us just remember to stay cool and hydrated.
To get your daily forecasts and heat alerts you can watch our newscasts every day or you can get the latest right here on our website.
