Yuma, Imperial Counties facing Dangerous heat wave through Friday

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - An intense and widespread heat wave is now in full swing across Yuma and Imperial Counties, with temperatures forecast to climb as high as 117 degrees over the next two days.

The National Weather Service has issued an Extreme Heat Warning through Friday evening, urging residents to take precautions to avoid heat-related illness.

Highs in both Yuma and Imperial Counties are expected to reach 112 to 117 degrees on both Wednesday and Thursday, roughly ten degrees above average for early August.

Overnight lows won't offer much relief either, with most areas only dipping into the mid-80s, and urban areas remaining in the low 90s.

This prolonged stretch of extreme heat will put nearly the entire region under a "major" to "extreme" heat risk, a designation that signals health risks for everyone, not just sensitive groups.

Officials advise staying indoors during the afternoon, drinking plenty of water, and checking on elderly family or neighbors.

Dry conditions are expected to persist across the lower deserts, with no measurable rain chances for Yuma or Imperial Counties through at least Friday.

While some isolated storm activity could develop in eastern and southeastern Arizona later this week, those chances will stay well outside the local forecast area.

There is a slight break expected starting Friday, as high pressure begins to weaken.

Temperatures may drop by about five degrees, but highs will still remain above average through the weekend, keeping heat safety a top priority.

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