Heat returns to the region as the monsoon takes a break. The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat warning for low elevation deserts, including metro Phoenix where temperatures are expected to range between 110-113 degrees over the next few days. The Salvation Army and municipal governments have activated heat relief stations in the greater Phoenix area. In central and northern Arizona, Lake Havasu City is expected to reach 114 degrees, Kingman and the Camp Verde area near 106, 100 for Page, 97 for Tuba City, 101 for Sedona and 87 for Flagstaff. Emergency management officials statewide advise people to stay off trails during periods of extreme heat and peak heat hours. There have been multiple heat-related hiking deaths this summer across Arizona. Rescue attempts also put first responders at risk.
Meanwhile, weather officials say this season’s monsoon set rainfall records in July. The National Weather Service in Flagstaff reports close to 9 inches of rain in Show Low last month, about 7 inches in Payson and more than 8 ½ inches at Walnut Canyon National Monument.
