NWS Issues Excessive Heat Warning, Air Quality Alert Over Phoenix as Temperatures Reach 110 Degrees

With temperatures expected to range from 105 to 110 over the next few days, the National Weather Service (NWS) has announced an extension to the Excessive Heat Warning, which will now continue to apply until 8 PM Wednesday. In addition, an Air Quality Alert has also been issued over Maricopa County, as the local government issues a No Burn Day.

This encompasses the Colorado River Valley, the Grand Canyon's lower elevations, and the Valley itself. Residents are advised by experts to stay inside, hydrate well, and dress in loose clothing.

Once again, tonight will be warm with highs in the middle to the upper 80s. For Labor Day activities that involve being outside, locals can anticipate sunny skies and warm temperatures.

This coming Monday, Phoenix is expected to reach a temperature of 109 degrees, which is significantly higher than the region's average for this time of year. The annual average is 104 degrees.

As the week progresses, clouds and moisture build, increasing the likelihood of storms and rain as we approach the weekend.

By Saturday, temperatures will fall to 100 degrees. 3TV-CBS 5 reports.

Excessive Heat Warning

NWS Phoenix extends the Excessive Heat Warning that was issued on September 5. The said warning is now effective until September 7, 8 PM over portions of South Central Arizona.

Experts from NWS warn that there will be dangerously hot conditions with sweltering afternoon temperatures ranging from 105 to 110 degrees.

NWS emphasized that an Excessive Heat Warning comes with a High Heat Risk, where overexposure can cause heat exhaustion and heat cramps to develop. These conditions could lead to heat stroke if no interventions are done.

An Excessive Heat Warning indicates that there will be a stretch of extremely hot weather, even by local standards. To lessen the effects of the intense heat, actions should be taken.

Read also: Inclement Weather Possible from the Northeast US to Texas by Mid-Week [NWS] 

Air Quality Alert

NWS Phoenix also issues an Air Quality Alert over Maricopa County and Phoenix Metro Area, which will be effective through Tuesday

The Ozone High Pollution Advisory has been extended by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ).

This means that local maximum 8-hour ozone concentration levels that pose health risks are anticipated as a result of the forecasted weather conditions combined with the current ozone levels.

Ozone is an air contaminant that can make it difficult for people to breathe, including elderly people, children, and those who already have respiratory issues. It is advised to cut back on physical activity.

Because using gasoline-powered equipment should be curtailed in the afternoon, experts advised locals to carpool, telecommute, or use mass transit, The Weather Channel reports.

No Burn Day

A No Burn Day policy has been issued by the Maricopa County Air Quality Department for today, September 5.

With its motto of "Burn Cleaner, Burn Better," the county encourages its residents to make healthy decisions that can improve the air that people breathe in. There are acceptable wood-burning alternatives during No Burn Days, all the while still providing an inviting and warm fire glow. At the same time, these alternatives reduce harmful smoke pollution.

Alternatives include retrofit fireplace devices, gas fireplaces, electric fireplaces, EPA-Certified wood stoves, and pellet stoves.

Related article: 39 Million People at Risk as Extreme Heat Persists in the West; Blackouts Threaten California and Nevada