Phoenix, AZ — A cloudy and hazy Sunday evening has settled over the Valley as wildfire smoke from California becomes trapped beneath cloud cover, leading to reduced visibility and unhealthy air quality. Forecasters expect the haze and smoke to linger for several days due to a shift in upper-level wind patterns, according to FOX 10 Phoenix.
Current Conditions and Tonight’s Outlook
Showers and thunderstorms are moving southeast across Arizona’s mountain regions, with rain expected to end overnight. A light shower may develop in the northeast Valley this evening, and there’s a small chance of morning rain in the Valley on Monday. Overnight lows are expected to dip into the upper 80s.
Heat Wave to Dominate the Week
Monday will be hot and hazy, with highs reaching around 110 degrees in the Valley. The Extreme Heat Warning remains in effect until 8 p.m. Tuesday, with similar triple-digit highs expected throughout the week. Skies will stay mostly sunny but hazy, with isolated thunderstorms possible in Rim Country and the White Mountains during the afternoons.
The Valley’s best chances for rain will come later in the week — Thursday through Saturday — as moisture increases.
Recognizing Heat Emergencies
The Scottsdale Fire Department defines the following heat-related conditions:
- Heat Cramps: Profuse sweating, fatigue, extreme thirst, muscle cramps.
- Heat Exhaustion: Headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea/vomiting, cool/moist skin.
- Heat Stroke: Elevated temp (+103°F), confusion, dry/hot skin, rapid shallow breathing, rapid weak pulse, seizures, unconsciousness.
What to Do During a Heat Emergency
- Move the person into shade or a cool place.
- Cool with wet cloths applied to the neck, groin, armpits, and head; fan the body.
- Offer sips of cool water if the person is alert.
- Massage cramped muscles gently but firmly until relaxed.
If symptoms worsen, call 911 immediately.
What Not to Do
- Do not give anything by mouth if the person is vomiting, unconscious, or unable to swallow.
- Do not underestimate the seriousness of a heat emergency.
Tips for Hiking or Exercising in the Heat
- Know your physical limits.
- Hydrate starting the day before strenuous activity, continue an hour before, during, and after.
- Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing and protect your head.
- Carry a cell phone and hike with company.
- Tell someone where you are going and when you plan to return.
Preventing Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke
The Arizona Department of Health Services recommends:
- Stay in air-conditioned buildings or visit cooling centers.
- Avoid outdoor activity during midday heat.
- Check on vulnerable individuals twice a day.
- Drink water before, during, and after outdoor activity.
- Monitor the UV Index and local heat risk maps.
With haze, smoke, and extreme heat persisting, Valley residents are urged to stay indoors when possible, remain hydrated, and watch for signs of heat-related illness.
How are you coping with the haze and extreme heat in Phoenix? Share your tips in the comments.
