Tourists Hit With Closures as 'Extreme' Warning Issued
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Numerous popular mountain trails have been closed in Arizona amid warnings of "dangerously" hot conditions.
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued extreme heat warnings for southern Arizona and southeast California this week, with temperatures forecast to soar to 118 degrees Fahrenheit.
The warnings mean that periods of very hot temperatures, even by local standards, will occur and that actions should be taken to avoid health risks.
A man walks under a mist cooling system in Phoenix in 2023.
A man walks under a mist cooling system in Phoenix in 2023.
Matt York/AP
Why It Matters
The NWS warned that the risk of heat-related illnesses increases significantly in areas impacted by extreme-heat events.
"Overexposure can cause heat cramps and heat exhaustion to develop and, without intervention, can lead to heat stroke," it said.
"Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing when possible and drink plenty of water. Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible, reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening."
What To Know
In Arizona, the extreme heat warning is in force across a large swathe of southern counties, incorporating major cities such as Phoenix, Tucson and Scottsdale.
Afternoon temperatures are set to rise to between 108 and 118 in parts, and the warnings are set to remain in force until 8 p.m. MT on Friday.
The Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department announced that restrictions had been implemented for a number of hiking trails due to the extreme conditions. The following trails will be closed between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. through Friday:
Camelback Mountain - Echo Canyon & Cholla Trail
Phoenix Mountains Preserve - Piestewa Peak Summit Trail and associated trails
South Mountain Park/Preserve - Holbert Trail, Mormon Trial, Hau'pal Loop Trail, and access to the National Trail from Pima Canyon Trailhead
The Phoenix Parks and Recreation Board established its Trail Heat Safety Program in 2021 to protect hikers and bikers during periods of extreme heat.
The department says on its website: "In 2024, Phoenix experienced 45 days of trail closures due to extreme heat warnings between May 1 and October 13, with a total of 121 days reaching temperatures of 105°F or higher. Notably, 69 of those days exceeded 110°F. This extreme heat not only raises the risk of heat-related incidents but also poses significant challenges for first responders during mountain rescues.
"The Phoenix Trails and Heat Safety Program has been effective in decreasing mountain rescues during the hottest months, as affirmed by the substantial decline in the number of rescues on closed trails from 2021 to 2024: 2021 - 57 rescues; 2022 - 47 rescues; 2023 - 30 rescues; 2024 - 35 rescues."
In California, an extreme heat warning is in effect from Wednesday morning until Friday evening for the Coachella Valley and San Diego County Deserts. Temperatures are forecast to reach 118.
What People Are Saying
The NWS, in its alert: "Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Do not leave young children and pets in unattended vehicles. Car interiors will reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes."
What Happens Next
The extreme heat warning warnings in California and Arizona are set to remain in force until 8 p.m. on Friday. Regular weather updates and warnings are issued by the NWS on its website.
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