Dangerous Heat Hits Scottsdale As Officials Urge Residents To Stay Indoors

SCOTTSDALE, AZ — It’s not just hot. It’s dangerous.

Scottsdale is urging residents to make “heat smart decisions” as an Extreme Heat Warning grips the Phoenix metro area through 8 p.m. Thursday, with the National Weather Service warning of a “Major Heat Risk” and afternoon temperatures expected to reach 111 to 115 degrees.

The city’s message, tied to conditions at the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, is simple: stay home if you can.

With temperatures already hitting 110 degrees and higher, Scottsdale is asking residents to think twice before heading outdoors and to know the warning signs of heat-related illness before it becomes an emergency.

Heat exhaustion is often the first warning sign and can come on quickly. Dizziness, nausea, heavy sweating, pale or clammy skin, a weak pulse and dehydration are all red flags.

The key is to get into an air-conditioned space, drink water and use a cold compress right away.

Heat stroke is more serious and requires immediate medical attention. Symptoms can include red, hot, dry skin, a rapid and weak pulse and loss of consciousness. Scottsdale says to call 911 immediately and begin cooling the person as best you can while help is on the way.

For residents looking to get out of the heat without going far, the city is pointing people to libraries, aquatic centers and a list of indoor events at ScottsdaleAZ.gov.

The National Weather Service also recommends pushing strenuous activities to early morning or evening hours, wearing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing and drinking water throughout the day. If someone becomes overwhelmed by heat, move them to a cool, shaded area right away.

Residents in Maricopa County can call 2-1-1 to find free cooling centers, transportation, water and other heat-relief resources.

The Extreme Heat Warning remains in effect until 8 p.m. Thursday.