Dangerous 110-plus-degree heat in Arizona likely to persist for weeks
Already, Phoenix had 10 consecutive days with temperatures of 110 degrees or higher through Sunday, and the forecast for the next week keeps highs near or above 110. Phoenix's all-time record for consecutive days at or above 110 degrees is 18 days, set in 1974.
Phoenix high temperatures forecast near 110 for next 14 days
Oppressive heat will linger for two weeks across the Southwest including in Arizona where high temperatures are forecast to remain near 110 for 14 days. Heat alerts are in effect for Southern California, Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico and Texas.
PHOENIX – First, it was Texas in the weeks-long extreme heat, then Florida was tossed into the frying pan with days of "feels-like" temperatures over 110 degrees.
Now, the Desert Southwest is in the middle of an extended heat wave – even by its typical hot July standards – that could approach record lengths for temperatures crossing that dangerous 110-degree mark.
Phoenix 10-day streak with temperatures at or above 110.
(FOX Weather)
"With dangerous heat continuing this week, take the proper safety precautions to avoid heat-related illnesses," the National Weather Service in Phoenix said on Twitter. "An Excessive Heat Warning remains in effect across the lower deserts through next weekend."
Already, Phoenix had 10 consecutive days with temperatures of 110 degrees or higher through Sunday, and the forecast for the next week keeps highs near or above 110. Monday will be a close call for continuing the streak, with a predicted 109-degree high temperature.
Phoenix's all-time record for consecutive days at or above 110 degrees is 18 days, set in 1974.
Phoenix, Arizona, forecast high temperatures through Wednesday, July 19, 2023.
(FOX Weather)
Temperatures will likely get even hotter later this week as the massive heat dome moves closer to Arizona.
Excessive Heat Warnings are now in effect for all of south-central Arizona's lower deserts through Sunday, July 16.
(FOX Weather)
Highs could climb over 115 later this week across southern Arizona, with a small chance of temperatures reaching 120 degrees. Average high temperatures are around 107 degrees.
Overnight low temperatures, which typically drop into the 80s, may only drop into the lower to mid-90s this week before restarting the warming process the following morning.
Overall, the NWS gives a moderate to major risk of heat stresses or illnesses for the millions under the Excessive Heat Warning and stresses for residents to stay indoors and out of the sun between the peak heating times of 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
If the current forecast holds, Phoenix's streak of 110-plus degrees will tie the record of 18 consecutive days by next Monday – with the streak likely remaining active.
Forecast high temperatures across the Southwest on Monday, July 10, 2023.
(FOX Weather)
Hot temperatures, gusty winds create elevated fire risk
The hot temperatures, combined with gusty winds and relative humidity in the teens, will create an elevated fire risk for parts of Arizona.
If a wildfire were to spark, these conditions would help the blaze spread quickly.
There are also chances for isolated dry thunderstorms early this week, with the highest chances east and southeast of Phoenix on Tuesday. Lightning could spark a fire that would spread quickly with wind gusts up to 35 mph.
The FOX Forecast Center is monitoring an elevated fire weather risk for southern Nevada, Utah and Arizona, including Grand Canyon National Park.
Fire weather alerts are in place for the Four Corners area through Monday night, July 10, 2023.
(FOX Weather)
Border Patrol participates in hundreds of heat-related rescues
The U.S. Border Patrol says it has been involved in hundreds of rescues along the U.S.-Mexico border during the extreme heat.
The agency said dehydration is the leading cause of the illnesses and deaths its agents are encountering.
Rescue operations included helping a pair of hikers suffering from heat stress near Montana Peak in Arizona.
"During the hot summer months, people in the deserts of southern Arizona can quickly succumb to the heat," said Jose Muriente, deputy director of air Operations at USBP's Tucson air branch. "In this case, the man and woman were able to realize the situation they were in and contact emergency services, and CBP was able to respond to the situation. All too often, people wait too long to call for help."
Rescues along the U.S.-Mexico border.
(U.S. Border Patrol)