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By Joe Edwards
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Heat-related alerts spanned parts of eight states on Friday, with the National Weather Service (NWS) warning of "dangerously hot conditions" in some parts of the country.
Why It Matters
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cautions that extreme heat can lead to heat-related illnesses, especially in seniors, young children, and individuals with chronic health conditions. Symptoms can include severe sweating, muscle cramps, dizziness, and nausea.
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The CDC reports that extreme heat contributes to over 700 deaths each year in the U.S.
Rising temperatures can also worsen ground-level ozone pollution, posing additional health risks.
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What To Know
An extreme heat warning, issued by the NWS when "extremely dangerous heat conditions are expected or occurring," was in effect for a southern portion of Arizona, as well as the Grand Canyon.
Afternoon temperatures between 109 and 114 degrees were expected in the northwest and east valleys of the Phoenix metropolitan area, the NWS said.
"Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible, reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening," the agency said. "Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing when possible and drink plenty of water."
Meanwhile, less severe heat advisories had been issued for parts of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, and South Carolina.
Heat index values, which reflect how hot it feels when humidity and temperature are considered, could reach up to 108 to 112 degrees in parts of southeast Georgia and southeast South Carolina, the NWS said.
Portions of Big Bend and Florida's Panhandle were expected to see heat index values up to 111 degrees, it added.
"Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sunshine, and check up on relatives and neighbors," the NWS advised.
An extreme heat watch had also been issued for southeastern California, warning that afternoon temperatures in this region could reach up to 117 degrees next week.
What People Are Saying
AccuWeather meteorologist Dan Pydynowski told Newsweek: "For today through the upcoming weekend, the Southwest will certainly remain the hottest part of the country. Extreme heat warnings remain in effect for portions of southern Arizona today and tomorrow, and we already see that extreme heat watches have been posted for parts of southern Arizona and the deserts of southeastern California for the middle of next week."
He added: "We are forecasting highs of 113-114 today through Sunday in Phoenix, for example. 113 is the daily record high tomorrow (from 2011) in Phoenix, so the high could tie or even break the record there tomorrow."
NWS Phoenix, Arizona wrote on X on Thursday: "An Extreme Heat Warning out for this Friday - Saturday. We dry this weekend, allowing low temperatures to dip and reduce the HeatRisk level to Moderate, but then record heat is in the forecast by the middle to end of next week with strong high pressure developing."
What Happens Next
At the time of writing, the latest extreme heat warning—for the Grand Canyon area—was in effect until 7 p.m. MST Tuesday.
The NWS issues regular forecast updates on its website.
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