{"id":790840,"date":"2026-05-12T10:20:17","date_gmt":"2026-05-12T10:20:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/790840\/"},"modified":"2026-05-12T10:20:17","modified_gmt":"2026-05-12T10:20:17","slug":"thousands-warned-of-major-heat-risk-in-phoenix-dangerously-hot","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/790840\/","title":{"rendered":"Thousands Warned of Major Heat Risk In Phoenix: \u2018Dangerously Hot\u2019"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"Paragraph_blockParagraph__I2kr4\">An <a href=\"https:\/\/forecast.weather.gov\/wwamap\/wwatxtget.php?cwa=usa&amp;wwa=Extreme%20Heat%20Warning\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Extreme Heat Warning<\/a> is in effect across the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.newsweek.com\/topic\/phoenix\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Phoenix<\/a> metropolitan area, in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.newsweek.com\/topic\/arizona\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Arizona<\/a>, as the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.newsweek.com\/topic\/national-weather-service\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">National Weather Service<\/a> (NWS) warns of \u201cdangerously hot\u201d conditions that could push temperatures well above seasonal norms and pose a serious risk to public health.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_blockParagraph__I2kr4\">The NWS in Phoenix said warnings for \u201cmajor heat risk\u201d will remain through Tuesday, until Tuesday night, with afternoon highs expected to climb between 105\u00b0F and 110\u00b0F.<\/p>\n<p>Phoenix Braces for Peak Heat<img id=\"11939564\" alt=\"NWS maps showing the extreme temperatures across Phoenix, Arizona through Tuesday, May 12, 2026 | NWS\" caption=\"\" captionoverride=\"NWS maps showing the extreme temperatures across Phoenix, Arizona through Tuesday, May 12, 2026 | NWS\" credit=\"\" sourcealt=\"\" sources=\"[]\" fetchpriority=\"auto\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"3000\" height=\"2000\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" style=\"color:transparent;aspect-ratio:inherit;object-fit:cover\"   src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Copy-of-32-image-2026-05-12T081928.773.png\"\/><\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_blockParagraph__I2kr4\">The heat warning covers a wide stretch of central Arizona, including Phoenix, Mesa, Chandler, Scottsdale, Glendale, Tempe, and surrounding communities across Maricopa County.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_blockParagraph__I2kr4\">According to the NWS, temperatures in the region are expected to peak on Tuesday, with highs nearing 107\u00b0F in Phoenix. Even by desert standards, this level of heat is notable for mid-May and raises the likelihood of heat-related illnesses, including heat exhaustion and heat stroke.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_blockParagraph__I2kr4\">The warning is set to expire Tuesday evening, with gradual cooling expected beginning Wednesday, although temperatures will remain above average for much of the week.<\/p>\n<p>Why This Heat Is Especially Dangerous<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_blockParagraph__I2kr4\">While Phoenix is known for its hot climate, this level of heat is unseasonable for May.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_blockParagraph__I2kr4\">Historical averages show that typical highs in Phoenix for this time of year are closer to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.currentresults.com\/Weather\/Arizona\/Places\/phoenix-temperatures-by-month-average.php\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">95\u00b0F\u201398\u00b0F<\/a>, meaning current temperatures are running around 10<a href=\"https:\/\/www.currentresults.com\/Weather\/Arizona\/Places\/phoenix-temperatures-by-month-average.php\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">\u00b0<\/a>C degrees above normal.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_blockParagraph__I2kr4\">Early-season heat waves, like this, are often more dangerous because:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"List_wp-block-list__nTkVj\">\n<li class=\"ListItem_wp-block-list-item__tMZ_4\">People are less acclimated to extreme heat after winter and the cooler spring weather<\/li>\n<li class=\"ListItem_wp-block-list-item__tMZ_4\">Nighttime lows\u2014which are expected to remain in the 70s\u2014limit the body\u2019s ability to recover from the heat\u00a0<\/li>\n<li class=\"ListItem_wp-block-list-item__tMZ_4\">Prolonged exposure to these sorts of temrpeatures increases cumulative stress on the body<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_blockParagraph__I2kr4\">The NWS warns that extreme heat conditions can significantly raise the risk of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, particularly for outdoor workers, older adults, and those without a way to escape the heat.<\/p>\n<p><img id=\"8463809\" alt=\"sun set arizona\" caption=\"Stock image of the sun setting over the desert near Casa Grande, Arizona. Arizona is one of three states which are being affected by a brutal heat wave.\" credit=\"AP\" sourcealt=\"AP\" sources=\"[]\" fetchpriority=\"auto\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"2343\" height=\"1628\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" style=\"color:transparent;aspect-ratio:inherit;object-fit:cover\"   src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/2463809-sun-set-arizona.jpg\"\/>How to Stay Safe in Extreme Heat<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_blockParagraph__I2kr4\">Officials are urging residents to take proactive steps to protect themselves.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_blockParagraph__I2kr4\"><strong>What to do:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul class=\"List_wp-block-list__nTkVj\">\n<li class=\"ListItem_wp-block-list-item__tMZ_4\">Hydrate frequently: Drink water consistently, even if you don\u2019t feel thirsty<\/li>\n<li class=\"ListItem_wp-block-list-item__tMZ_4\">Stay indoors during peak heat hours: Between late morning and the early evening<\/li>\n<li class=\"ListItem_wp-block-list-item__tMZ_4\">Use air conditioning or visit free cooling centers: Call 2-1-1 in Maricopa County for the locations<\/li>\n<li class=\"ListItem_wp-block-list-item__tMZ_4\">Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_blockParagraph__I2kr4\"><strong>What to avoid:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul class=\"List_wp-block-list__nTkVj\">\n<li class=\"ListItem_wp-block-list-item__tMZ_4\">Strenuous activity in the afternoon heat<\/li>\n<li class=\"ListItem_wp-block-list-item__tMZ_4\">Leaving pets and children in vehicles, even briefly \u2014 the heat inside a car can kill in as little as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.weather.gov\/safety\/heat-children-pets\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">10 minutes<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"ListItem_wp-block-list-item__tMZ_4\">Alcohol and caffeine, as they can contribute to dehydration<\/li>\n<li class=\"ListItem_wp-block-list-item__tMZ_4\">Heavy meals that can increase body temperature<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_blockParagraph__I2kr4\">Anyone experiencing symptoms such as dizziness, confusion, nausea, or rapid pulse should seek immediate relief. Heat stroke is a medical emergency\u2014call 911.<\/p>\n<p>When Will It Cool Down?<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_blockParagraph__I2kr4\">Relief from the extreme temperatures is expected to begin midweek, with temperatures dipping closer to 100\u00b0F by Wednesday and falling into the upper 90s by Thursday.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_blockParagraph__I2kr4\">While this marks a step down from peak conditions, forecasters caution that temperatures will remain warmer than average, and heat precautions should continue throughout the week.<\/p>\n<p>Phoenix Forecast For The Week Ahead<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_blockParagraph__I2kr4\"><strong>Here\u2019s how conditions are expected to evolve:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_blockParagraph__I2kr4\"><strong>Tuesday:<\/strong> Increasing clouds, high near 107<a href=\"https:\/\/www.currentresults.com\/Weather\/Arizona\/Places\/phoenix-temperatures-by-month-average.php\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">\u00b0<\/a>F; light southwestern winds<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_blockParagraph__I2kr4\"><strong>Wednesday:<\/strong> Mostly cloudy early, then clearing; high near 101\u00b0F<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_blockParagraph__I2kr4\"><strong>Thursday:<\/strong> Sunny, high near 98\u00b0F<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_blockParagraph__I2kr4\"><strong>Friday: <\/strong>Sunny, high near 99\u00b0F<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_blockParagraph__I2kr4\"><strong>Saturday: <\/strong>Sunny, high near 100\u00b0F<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_blockParagraph__I2kr4\"><strong>Sunday: <\/strong>Sunny, high near 99\u00b0F<\/p>\n<p>In summary, the worst of the heat will peak through Tuesday evening, followed by a gradual but incomplete cooldown\u2014making heat safety essential for the days ahead.<\/p>\n<p>What Scorching Temperatures Mean for Residents<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_blockParagraph__I2kr4\">While the most extreme temperatures are expected to ease after Tuesday, the current <a href=\"https:\/\/www.newsweek.com\/topic\/heat-wave\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">heat wave<\/a> underscores how quickly conditions can become dangerous in the Southwest\u2014especially early in the season.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_blockParagraph__I2kr4\" id=\"artend_links\">With highs exceeding 105\u00b0F and well above normal for May, officials say residents should treat this as a serious and potentially life-threatening event, even in a region accustomed to extreme heat.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"An Extreme Heat Warning is in effect across the Phoenix metropolitan area, in Arizona, as the National Weather&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":790841,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5131],"tags":[5229,5643,1587,11829,281958,23798,5370,6231,21471,1589,67,586,132,5230,68,2969],"class_list":{"0":"post-790840","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-phoenix","8":"tag-america","9":"tag-arizona","10":"tag-az","11":"tag-heat-advisory","12":"tag-heat-illness","13":"tag-heat-stroke","14":"tag-heat-wave","15":"tag-national-weather-service","16":"tag-nws","17":"tag-phoenix","18":"tag-united-states","19":"tag-united-states-of-america","20":"tag-unitedstates","21":"tag-unitedstatesofamerica","22":"tag-us","23":"tag-usa"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/790840","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=790840"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/790840\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/790841"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=790840"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=790840"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=790840"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}