Excessive Heat Warning in Yuma

News 11 weathercaster Melissa Zaremba has the details on what to do to beat the heat

An excessive heat warning is in effect until 8 p.m. Sunday for the dangerously hot conditions we'll be seeing in the Desert Southwest.

“I still don’t get used to it, it’s pretty hot,” said local Graciela Roman. 

Temperatures continue to rise with afternoon highs expected to reach 115-degrees this weekend.

Making it the hottest temperatures we've seen so far this year.

Locals are taking action now to be ready.

“Drink a lot of water I would say, stay in the shade, I try not to go out because of the heat as well,” said Roman. 

Heat is one of the deadliest weather hazards in the country which is why locals are urged to take the heat seriously.

It’s important for locals to take the proper heat safety precautions for these extremely hot temperatures, which includes reducing your time in the sun by staying in air-conditioned buildings, drink plenty of water even if you don’t feel thirsty, wear lose and light-colored clothing, and never ever leave people or pets in a closed car at any time of the day.

Heat-related illnesses can occur if heat precautions aren’t put into action.

“Making sure that we are aware of the different signs and symptoms of heat-related illness things like headache is one of the first ones you notice, nauseous and weakness and maybe muscle cramps and it could even stand beyond that the important thing is to catch it quick and then do something about it,” said Yuma Fire Department Mike Erfert.

YFD says drinking water is a must.

“Be sure that you understand that your body’s cooling system is an evaporative cooler, it needs that fluid intake to keep you going,” said Erfert.

And this is just the beginning.

We're not even into summer yet so make sure to stay cool and hydrate. 

To get your daily forecasts and heat alerts, download our News 11 app or go to our website here at kyma.com for the latest alerts.