Early Season Heat Wave Engulfs the Southwest – Stay Safe!

April 29, 2020
Graphic with text warning of a heat wave in Tucson reads: April Heat Wave! Excessive Heat Warning: Thursday from Tucson Westward. Plan: Reduce, eliminate, or reschedule strenuous activities during the hottest part of the day. Hottest April Temp in Tucson: 104 degrees.

An early season heat wave is sweeping across the Southwest U.S. this week, bringing record temperatures to much of the region. An excessive heat warning is currently in effect for southern and western Arizona, Southeast California, and southern Nevada. For Tucson, AZ, the average date that the city reaches 100F over 100+ years of record keeping is May 25th. Thursday, the city is predicted to reach 104F, tying the record for the hottest April temperature. Here are some resources to help you stay safe during this heat wave. Stay safe, and stay cool!

Gauging Heat Risk

A good way to gauge the impacts that heat may have on others, and at risk populations, is to check out the NWS Heat Risk Page

Hiker Heat Safety

Through a collaborative effort, hiker heat safety cards are available at many National Park/USFS/State Park and some local visitor centers and trailheads.  Here is a link to the two-sided card. https://www.weather.gov/images/twc/Skywarn/hikercomplete.PNG

General Heat Safety Information

https://www.weather.gov/media/twc/HeatSafety-OnePager.pdf