Excessive Heat Warning Issued For Tucson

TUCSON, AZ — Tucson has been hit with an excessive heat warning from Wednesday until Saturday, with temperatures expected between 106 and 113 degrees, with Friday expected to be the hottest day. Excessive heat warnings mean the temperatures are higher than normal, even by Arizona’s standards.

The dangerous heat levels could lead to an increase in heat-related injuries, according to the National Weather Service. The service is asking people to be cautious of the heat this week by staying indoors or seeking air conditioning when possible, drinking more water and wearing lightweight clothing. Vulnerable people, like small children or the elderly, should be monitored closely. Pets and children should never be left unattended in cars.

The City of Tucson and the Salvation Army teamed up earlier this summer to provide homeless individuals with access to cooling centers, according to Tucson Weekly. The ‘Operation Chill Out Indoor Heat Relief Project’ offers up several of their community centers for shelter. They are operating under COVID-19 guidelines, including mandating social distancing. More information can be found with the The Salvation Army in Tucson, including where individuals can drop off water or clothing donations.

This is the deadliest time of year for the county’s homeless population. The most recent point-in-time count by the Tucson Pima Collaboration to End Homelessness from January 2019 reported at least 1,009 people were experiencing homelessness in Pima County; 361 were unsheltered. According to the Arizona Department of Health Services, 408 deaths can be attributed to heat-related illnesses between 2009 and 2019.

Some symptoms of heat-related illnesses include thirst, muscle cramps, dizziness, exhaustion and nausea. Heat stroke’s symptoms include vomiting, confusion, headaches, abnormally high body temperature and more. Heat stroke can be fatal, so the weather service is encouraging Arizonans to treat it as an emergency and call 911 when necessary.