Phoenix is gearing up for another stretch of extreme heat after a short reprieve due to monsoonal moisture, according to the National Weather Service.
Temperatures will climb back to 110 and above by midweek, with an extreme heat watch set to begin on Wednesday, Aug. 20.
“We’re going to see temperatures trending up throughout the week,” said Isaac Smith, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Phoenix. “By Wednesday, we’re going to be looking at highs topping around 112 degrees and similar temperatures again on Thursday and Friday.”
A ridge of high pressure is building over the region, strengthening as it moves west and baking the ground below.
While storm chances will return, widespread rain in Phoenix remains unlikely.
“We do have some low chances in the forecast, around 10 to 20% starting Wednesday,” Smith continued. “The highest chances would be on Friday, we’ll see about a 20 to 30% chance.”
Storms will be more likely in the higher terrain east of Phoenix, where 20 to 50% odds persist through the rest of the week. Gusty winds, blowing dust and localized heavy rain with minor flooding are possible in parts of western and south-central Arizona and into southeastern California.
The storms could also pose fire risks. Pop-up storms that produce little rain may spark lightning-caused fires, while outflow winds can help fan the flames, Smith said.
How to stay cool in extreme heat
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Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Avoid sugary drinks and alcohol, which can dehydrate you.
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Limit outdoor activity: Try to stay indoors during peak heat hours, usually between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.
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Use sun protection: Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing, a wide-brimmed hat and sunscreen with at least SPF 30.
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Check on vulnerable people: Keep an eye on the elderly, children and pets who are especially sensitive to the heat.
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Know the signs of heat illness: Dizziness, headache, nausea, rapid heartbeat and confusion can signal heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Seek medical help immediately.
Hayleigh Evans writes about extreme weather and related topics for The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com. Email her with story tips at hayleigh.evans@arizonarepublic.com.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Extreme heat, unlikely rain chances in the forecast for Phoenix area