Regions of the Southwestern United States will suffer from a record heat wave this weekend, with temperatures hitting close to 120 degrees Fahrenheit in some areas.
Officials from the National Weather Service said people should take precautions because high heat temperatures can be deadly.
The NWSsaid: “Extreme heat will significantly increase the potential for heat related illnesses, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities. Hiking in the lower elevation portions of Grand Canyon will be dangerous.”
Expected temperatures could be:
- 126 in Death Valley, California
- 117 in Phoenix, Arizona
- 113 in Las Vegas, Nevada
Grant Weyman of KSL-TV said “things heating up for the weekend.” Salt Lake City will see near 100 degrees today and more of the same over the weekend. Excessive heat in the East and Southwest of Utah, too. St. George will have temperatures near 110 for both days of the weekend, too.
Heat is the story over the next 7 days. We'll go from very hot to extremely hot over the weekend. The Excessive Heat Watch for Friday-Monday has been converted to a Warning. The peak numbers we're looking at happen less than one day per year on average. #azwx #cawx pic.twitter.com/mVNom6zkrF
— NWS Phoenix (@NWSPhoenix) July 8, 2020
Marvin Percha, National Weather Service meteorologist, told CNN officials consider the “heat risk” of a location with high temperatures in the Southwest.
“We look at how rare the event is and compare what’s normal,” Percha told CNN.“Considering the temperatures we have forecast now, we’re looking at a pretty rare event.”
The NWS issued a few tips forstaying safe, including:
- Drink plenty of fluids.
- Stay in an air-conditioned room.
- Avoid staying out in the sun.
- Talk with neighbors and relatives to make sure they’re OK.
- Children and pets should not be left unattended.