As temperatures across the state are expected to reach record levels this weekend the Arizona Department of Health Services is encouraging residents and visitors to focus on healthy activity to avoid heat exhaustion.
The National Weather Service issued a heat warning for 13 Arizona counties including Gila, La Paz, Maricopa, Mohave, Pinal, Yuma, Coconino, Yavapai, Cochise, Graham, Greenlee, Pima and Santa Cruz. Temperatures are forecast to reach up to 120 degrees during the excessive heat warning period Sunday, June 19 through Wednesday, June 22, 2016.
“As we head into the Father’s Day weekend, it’s important for everyone to pay attention to symptoms of a heat-related illness,” said Dr. Cara Christ, director of the Arizona Department of Health Services. “Outdoor activities by the grill or by the pool can add to the heat effect. Stay cool, hydrated, and informed to prevent heat illness.”
Extremely high or unusually hot temperatures can affect your health. On average, 126 deaths from extreme heat events occur each year in Arizona. Last year there were nearly 2,500 emergency room visits due to heat-related illness. Most vulnerable are adults age 65 and older, those who work or exercise outdoors, infants an children, the homeless or poor, and people with a chronic medical condition or people on certain medications.
Take the necessary precautions to prevent serious health effects such as heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
Stay cool
Stay hydrated
Stay informed
Excessive Heat Watch: Issued by NWS when the heat index rises above 105 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and the night time low temperature above 80 degrees Fahrenheit or higher for two consecutive days.
For more information on extreme heat, visit the ADHS Extreme Weather and Public Health website.