Tucson, Arizona – Extreme heat is blanketing much of southern Arizona, forcing residents across Pima, Pinal, Cochise, and neighboring counties to brace for dangerously high temperatures through Friday evening. Temperatures will surge to a staggering 116 degrees on Wednesday and Thursday in the Tucson metro, Western Pima County, and parts of south-central Pinal County, pushing heat illness risk to its highest level so far this summer.
According to the National Weather Service in Tucson, the Extreme Heat Warning remains active until 8 p.m. Friday, with temperatures in the region expected to remain between 103 and 111 degrees most days. Eastern Cochise County, including Willcox and Douglas, faces its own heat warning starting 10 a.m. Tuesday, as temperatures soar above 100 degrees through late week.
Vulnerable populations, including children and older adults, face an increased risk for heat exhaustion and heat stroke, especially in communities like Marana, Safford, Nogales, and the Tohono O’odham Nation. Drivers are urged not to leave children or pets in parked vehicles—interiors can turn deadly within minutes.
Outdoor workers are urged to shift schedules to early morning or evening, rest often in shaded areas, wear loose clothing, and drink water frequently. Heat emergencies should be treated by moving victims to a cool place and calling 911 immediately.
With the heat expected to last until Friday night, more alerts and advisories could follow if conditions worsen.
