Extreme heat, more rain in this week’s Maricopa forecast

Temperatures will be sizzling to start the week, but wind and rain may return midweek, according to the National Weather Service.

Today, Maricopa is under an excessive heat warning from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. The high temperature is expected to be 113 degrees F under sunny skies. An Excessive Heat Warning means that a period of very hot temperatures, even by local standards, will occur. Actions should be taken to lessen the impact. See below for details. The evening will be mostly clear with a low around 86.

Tuesday, the forecast sees a mostly sunny day with a high near 111. Overnight, the low will be around 85 and a 10-percent chance of rain will develop.

Wednesday, expect the temperature to drop, with a possible high of only 105. There is a 10-percent chance of showers, and breezes will be up to 15 mph. There is a 30-percent chance of rain before 11 p.m., when the low will be around 81. Breezes of 5-15 mph will have gusts as high as 20 mph.

Thursday may be the coolest day of the week, with an expected high of 103 under partly sunny skies. Overnight, there may be a 20-percent chance of rain and a low around 80 with winds of 10-15 mph.

Friday comes with a 10 percent chance of rain after 11 a.m. that increases to 30 percent before 11 p.m. The high is expected to be near 104 while the wind gusts up to 20 mph. The nighttime low will be around 80 with continuing wind.

That leads to a weekend that, from this distance, looks to stay below 105 degrees and bring with it possibilities for rain.

Excessive Heat Warning Advice from NWS:

Stay indoors and seek air-conditioned buildings. Drink water, more than usual, and avoid dehydrating alcoholic, sugary or caffeinated drinks. Dress for the heat – lightweight and light- colored clothing. Eat small meals and eat more often. Monitor those with a higher vulnerability to heat, including small children. Check in on family, friends, and neighbors, especially the elderly. If engaging in outdoor activity, take longer and ore frequent breaks and avoid the hottest parts of the day. Never leave kids or pets unattended in cars.

Recognize the signs and symptoms of heat-related illness. Early signs include thirst and muscle cramps. Heat exhaustion may include: cool, moist, pale skin; headache; dizziness; weakness or exhaustion; nausea. The most serious illness is heat stroke, which may include: vomiting; confusion; throbbing headache; decreased alertness or loss of consciousness; high body temperature (above 105 F); hot, dry skin; rapid, weak pulse; rapid, shallow breathing; seizures.