PHOENIX – With record highs in the metro Phoenix forecast this week, authorities are warning the public about potentially dangerous heat.

The National Weather Service (NWS) issued an extreme heat warning for Tuesday-Thursday, when Valley temperatures are expected to climb well above normal.

This week’s forecast starts with a projected high of about 110 on Monday followed by three days of at least 113 degrees.

“In fact, on Wednesday, we’re forecasting a high of 117,” Gabriel Lojero, meteorologist with the NWS in Phoenix, told KTAR News 92.3 FM on Monday morning. “And that 117, if it materializes, will also break a daily record high, which was 116, which was, ironically, set last year.”

The normal Phoenix high temperature for this time of year is 107 degrees.

“We have an area of strong high pressure that’s going to develop, and so that’s going to lead to mostly clear skies and then increasing temperatures,” Lojero said.

Phoenix hiking trails closed during extreme heat warnings

The NWS issues extreme heat warnings when dangerous heat is happening or imminent.

Due to the elevated risk, the following Phoenix hiking trails are restricted from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on extreme heat warning days:

  • Camelback Mountain: Echo Canyon Trail and Cholla trail.
  • Phoenix Mountains Preserve: Piestewa Peak Summit Trail and associated trails.
  • South Mountain Park and Preserve: Holbert Trail, Mormon Trail, Hau’Pal Loop Trail and access to the National Trail from the Pima Canyon Trailhead.

“With hiking trails, you’re basically exerting your body a lot,” Lojero said. “And so, with the heat, it could become quite deadly.”

In fact, Lojero said people should avoid hiking when it gets to around 100 degrees due to the risk of dehydration in the dry desert climate.

“A lot of people that hike tend to get into trouble because they don’t have enough fluids in their body, and so the heat will eventually catch up to them,” he said.

Anybody who has to work outside during periods of extreme heat should take precautions and try to limit activities to the early morning or after sunset. Another tip is to wear light, loose-fitting clothing.

“You want to drink as much fluid frequently, take frequent breaks in the shade, and then try to be in an air-conditioned place if you can,” Lojero said.

KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Colton Krolak contributed to this report.

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