National Weather Service Issues Extreme Heat Watch for Phoenix Area
An Extreme Heat Watch has been issued for the Phoenix metropolitan area starting August 17.
3 reports on this incident · first at Aug 20, 2026, 4:24 a.m. ET
Earlier reports
Aug 20, 2026, 4:53 a.m. ET
Weather Service Outlines Health Risks Ahead of Phoenix Extreme Heat Watch
Heat-related illnesses increase significantly during extreme heat events, and overexposure can cause heat cramps and heat exhaustion that may lead to heat stroke without intervention, according to official records from the National Weather Service Phoenix AZ. The details regarding health risks were issued ahead of an Extreme Heat Watch for the Phoenix metropolitan area. The watch starts at 10:00 AM on August 17, 2026, and expires at 8:00 PM on August 21, 2026, covering 9 zones across the region. Official records state that dangerously hot conditions are possible, with afternoon temperatures between 108 and 112 degrees Fahrenheit presenting a Major Heat Risk. Recommended precautions include drinking plenty of water, wearing lightweight loose-fitting clothing, and rescheduling strenuous outdoor activities to early morning or evening. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends frequent rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned spaces for outdoor workers. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool location, and emergency assistance should be called at 9 1 1 for heat stroke.
Aug 20, 2026, 4:24 a.m. ETFirst report
National Weather Service Issues Extreme Heat Watch for Phoenix Area
The National Weather Service Phoenix AZ has issued an Extreme Heat Watch for the Phoenix metropolitan area in a developing weather situation. The watch begins at 10:00 a.m. on August 17, 2026, and expires at 8:00 p.m. on August 21, 2026. Dangerously hot conditions with major heat risk and afternoon temperatures of 108 to 112 degrees are possible from Monday morning through Wednesday evening.
Official weather records show the watch covers nine zones, including Northwest Valley, Buckeye/Avondale, Deer Valley, Central Phoenix, North Phoenix/Glendale, Scottsdale/Paradise Valley, East Valley, South Mountain/Ahwatukee, and Southeast Valley/Queen Creek. Affected cities include Paradise Valley, Beardsley, Liberty, Gilbert, Mesa, Avondale, Cashion, Circle City, Queen Creek, Sun Lakes, Goodyear, Tempe, Phoenix, Sun City West, Peoria, Surprise, Chandler, and Wittmann.
According to official weather records, heat-related illnesses increase significantly during extreme heat events, where overexposure can cause heat cramps and heat exhaustion that can lead to heat stroke without intervention. Officials advise taking precautions such as drinking plenty of water, wearing lightweight and loose-fitting clothing, and rescheduling strenuous activities to early morning or evening when possible. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location, and call 9 1 1 for heat stroke. Public cooling shelters are available in some areas.
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Revision history
- Version 120 Aug 2026, 08:53current
First published.
- Version 120 Aug 2026, 08:24current
First published.
- Version 120 Aug 2026, 09:23current
First published.
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