Phoenix reaches 118 degrees, breaks daily heat record

The high temperature in Phoenix on Thursday hit 118, breaking previous records by 4 degrees, according to an update from the National Weather Service.

High temperatures were expected again Thursday and through at least Saturday in the Phoenix area with gusty winds and possible thunderstorms at higher elevations, according to the weather service in Phoenix.

An excessive heat warning remained in effect for the area through 8 p.m. Sunday, describing a very high heat risk for portions of south-central Arizona. The weather service advised residents to stay indoors, seek air-conditioned buildings and drink more water than usual.

High temperatures will generally range from 115 to 120 degrees in some areas.

The forecast for Friday and Saturday calls for 116, and then the high temperature decreases to 113 by Sunday.

"Very dangerous record breaking heat should continue today across the deserts with well above normal highs," the weather service tweeted Thursday morning.

The low temperatures on Thursday morning included 91 in Phoenix, 82 in Yuma and 77 in El Centro. If those hold through midnight, Phoenix and Yuma will set new daily warm low temperature records for June 17. Both records were set in 2008.

Also, haze and smoke will continue Thursday across much of the area due to wildfires near Globe.

Locations west of the fire, including the Phoenix area, will begin to see some improvement on Saturday, then much better air conditions on Sunday as winds push the smoke toward New Mexico, according to the weather service.

Heat deaths

In Phoenix, the urban heat-island effect contributes to hotter temperatures. 

The vast areas of concrete and asphalt soak up heat from the sun during the day and radiate it at night, pushing temperatures higher than in other undeveloped areas. 

Since 2009, more than 2,000 people in Arizona have died from exposure to excessive natural heat. Heat deaths of people experiencing homelessness more than doubled between 2019 and 2020, according to Maricopa County data.

Hot car deaths

In 2019, four children died in hot cars, according to the safety organization Kids & Cars.

Hot weather tips

The Arizona Department of Health Services provided tips to prevent heat-related illness:

• Drink water: It is recommended to drink at least 2 liters of water per day if people are staying inside all day. Those who spend time outdoors should drink 1 to 2 liters per hour they are outside.
• Dress for the heat: Wear lightweight and light-colored clothing. Sunscreen should always be applied to exposed skin, and it is recommended to wear a hat or use an umbrella when outdoors.
• Eat small meals and eat more often: Experts recommend avoiding foods high in protein that increase metabolic heat.
• Monitor those at risk: Check on friends, family or others for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. 
• Slow down and avoid strenuous activity: It is recommended to only do strenuous activity during the coolest hours of the day, between 4 and 7 a.m.
• Stay indoors.
• Take breaks when engaged in physical activity: Take a break in a cool place when doing activity outside on a hot day.

Reach breaking news editor Mike Cruz at michael.cruz@azcentral.com or on Twitter @mikecnews.