Extreme Heat in the Southwest - June 19, 2017
At the time of publication (Jun 15, 2017), an extreme heatwave is forecast to hit the Southwest beginning later this week and extending into next week the week of June 19, peaking on/around June 19-20, 2017. Tucson is currently forecast to reach 114, while Phoenix may see temperatures reach 120 – both of which are approaching the record high temperatures for Tucson and Phoenix, respectively. Southwestern summers have a well-earned reputation for extreme temperatures, and compared to most of the country, even a ‘normal’ summer day is often much warmer than record high temperatures in more temperate locales.
It is important to note that the current forecast represent temperature extremes that can be dangerous or even deadly, as a result of direct exposure, or associated with the accumulated effects of heat stress, particularly when nighttime temperatures remain elevated and it is harder to cool off at night.
The Phoenix NWS office is piloting an experimental heat extremes tracker/map that highlights the risk potential associated with direct exposure and more sustained heat events. (Figs. 1a-ab).
Online Resources:
- Figures 1a-b - National Weather Service Experimental Potential Heat Risks - https://www.wrh.noaa.gov/wrh/heatrisk/
- National Integrated Heat Health Information System (NIHHIS) - https://toolkit.climate.gov/nihhis/
- Arizona Department of Health Services - http://www.azdhs.gov/preparedness/epidemiology-disease-control/extreme-…
- Maricopa County Dept of Public Health - http://www.maricopa.gov/1871/Extreme-Heat
- Pima County Dept of Health - pima.gov/heat