Latest news with #ExtremeHeatWarnings
Yahoo
30-06-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Family of 11 rescued on closed South Mountain trail due to heat
The Brief Phoenix Fire crews rescued a family of 11 on a South Mountain Trail on Sunday afternoon. The family was two hours into the hike when they called 911 because some of the kids were too hot and tired to continue. The fire department says the trail was closed due to extreme heat. PHOENIX - A family of 11, including several kids, were rescued off a South Mountain hiking trail on Sunday afternoon. Phoenix Fire says the trail was closed for the day due to extreme heat warnings. What we know The family began their hike around 10 a.m. on June 29 on the Holbert Trail, which is 2.56 miles. Two hours in, the heat started to get to some of the kids, and they weren't able to continue on. "At that point in time, 911 was dispatched. A tactical rescue crew arrived on scene and made their way up the Holbert Trail. Once contact was made with the hiking group, rapid cooling was applied to the hikers. Members of the technical rescue team put a nine and 11-year-old in the big wheel basket & brought them back down to the base of the mountain. Rescuers assisted the rest of the group down as well," said Phoenix Fire Capt. Rob McDade. There were a total of five adults and six kids. No injuries were reported. "The Holbert Trail is closed today as one of the several trails on South Mountain are closed on extreme heat days. There were numerous signs posted stating that the trail was closed for hiking activity," Capt. McDade said. Dig deeper On March 27, the Phoenix Parks and Recreation Board approved the Holbert Trail, Mormon Trail, Hau'pal Loop Trail and access to the National Trail from the Pima Canyon Trailhead to be closed on days when the National Weather Service issues an extreme heat warning. The closures are in effect from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. "In total, more than 100 miles of trails on South Mountain will remain accessible to hikers, with fewer than 7 miles subject to restrictions during Extreme Heat Warnings," the Parks and Recreation Department says on its website. "It's really inexcusable, really, if you're going to put a child's life in that danger," Capt. McDade said. "We always have a sense of urgency, but I think there was an exceptional amount. It's something to be a firefighter or a rescuer, and you get a report saying we have five children that are experiencing heat a quarter of a mile up on one of the hottest days of the year so far. Nothing surprises you. It disappoints you." The Phoenix Police Department has not issued any charges or citations. FOX 10 is awaiting comment from Phoenix Parks and Recreation rangers, who oversee the trails. Map of where the Holbert Trail is
New York Post
18-06-2025
- Climate
- New York Post
Dangerous heat wave with 100-degree feels-like temperatures to grip I-95 corridor
After what has largely been a cool start to meteorological summer in the northern U.S., temperatures are expected to swing in the opposite direction shortly after astronomical summer arrives. According to the FOX Forecast Center, a stout ridge of high pressure will move eastward across a large swath of the country, bringing sweltering heat to major cities such as Chicago, Detroit, and the major urban centers along the Interstate 95 corridor. 'In the summer, when you see these big ridges, that's a strong indication that you've got some big-time heat. But this one could be a significant one,' said FOX Weather meteorologist Stephen Morgan. The prime time for this heat wave will be from Sunday through Thursday, when hundreds of millions of Americans will experience temperatures ranging anywhere from a few degrees above average to 20 degrees above average. While relatively few locations may actually hit the 100-degree mark, the combination of high temperatures and elevated humidity levels will make it feel significantly hotter. 3 A view of the blazing sun setting behind the Empire State Building and Midtown Manhattan as seen from Brooklyn, NY on April 13, 2023. Christopher Sadowski Heat indices, which are a measure of how the temperature feels to the human body when factoring in humidity, are forecast to soar well into the triple digits in many areas. Among the areas expected to be affected are Chicago, Detroit, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, New York City and Washington. New York City has only reached the 100-degree threshold three times during the month of June, and Philadelphia has done so nearly a dozen times, with the most recent instance occurring in the mid-1990s. 3 New York City has only reached the 100-degree threshold three times during the month of June. Fox The National Weather Service is expected to issue a range of heat-related alerts in the coming days. These may include Heat Advisories, Extreme Heat Watches, and Extreme Heat Warnings, depending on the expected severity and duration of local conditions. The alerts are intended to warn residents about the dangers of prolonged exposure to high heat, which can lead to serious health impacts such as heat exhaustion, heatstroke and dehydration. 3 Sunbathing in Central Park during hot weather in Manhattan on May 26, 2019. Stephen Yang Heat waves pose a particularly high risk to vulnerable populations, which include children, the elderly, outdoor workers and those without access to air conditioning. In communities with heat response plans, cooling centers are usually opened for residents to take advantage of when temperatures reach dangerous levels. Temperatures are expected to return to more typical levels by the final days of June and early July as the ridge treks eastward, allowing for the entrance of frontal boundaries, which will help induce more cloud cover and rainfall. The heat likely won't be gone for long, as the hottest days of the season usually occur in mid-to-late July, as the effects of the year's direct sunlight and solar radiation are felt across the Northern Hemisphere.
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
How hot is too hot to hike? How to stay safe when hiking in Phoenix this summer
Summertime in Phoenix means taking extra precautions when outdoors, as temperatures can soar upwards of 110 degrees. This is especially true if you're planning on going for a hike. In 2021, the Parks and Recreation Board of Phoenix established the Trail Heat Safety Program to 'help bikers, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts navigate the beautiful Phoenix trail system while minimizing the risks of extreme heat to trail users and first responders,' according to its website. By 2024, the program expanded to include all trails at South Mountain Park and Preserve. They also approved trail closures an hour earlier, and starting on March 27, 2025, certain restrictions will be put on trails during Extreme Heat Warnings from the National Weather Service. According to Phoenix, more than 200 hikers are rescued annually from desert and mountain parks and preserves. Here's what to know about how hot is too hot to hike in Phoenix and other safety tips to keep in mind this summer. According to which is a part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, extreme heat is a period of time with high heat, humidity and temperatures above 90 degrees for at least two to three days. 'In extreme heat your body works extra hard to maintain a normal temperature, which can lead to death,' the website states. 'Extreme heat is responsible for the highest number of annual deaths among all weather-related hazards.' Extreme heat raises the risk of heat-related incidents but also brings challenges to first responders during mountain rescues. Symptoms of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps, tiredness, weakness, fast or weak pulse, dizziness, headache, fainting, nausea and vomiting. With heat cramps, you may experience muscle pains or spasms in the stomach, arms or legs. According to if you have signs of heat cramps or heat exhaustion, you should go to a cooler location, remove excess clothing and take sips of sports drinks or water. It's important to call your health care provider if symptoms get worse or last more than an hour. There are a few important factors to consider when hiking with your dog, according to PetMD: Consider your dog's breed, age and overall health before going on the hike. Some dogs can handle longer hikes and challenging trails while others can only handle shorter, low-impact hikes. Keep an eye on your dog for signs of overexertion or exhaustion, including excessive panting, struggling to keep up and a lack of interest in continuing. Research the trail beforehand as parts of the path may be unsafe or especially slippery during some conditions. It's important to be cautious when hiking during hot weather. Don't overexert your dog; plan your activities during the cooler parts of the day and opt for shaded trails. Prevent dehydration and overheating by taking regular rest breaks and providing ample water and shade. Use cooling vests or bandanas specifically designed for dogs to help lower their body temperature during outdoor activities. Use dog booties or paw wax to protect your dog's paws from rough terrain, sharp objects or extreme temperature and other irritants. Dogs are more susceptible to heatstroke than humans, if you're hot then they're very hot. Older dogs or brachycephalic breeds like boxers, bulldogs and pugs are at a higher risk of overheating. Yes, you can hike in Phoenix during the summer but make sure to do it the right way with tips from the City of Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department: Watch the weather. Although Arizona is known for having dry heat, it can still be deceiving and deadly. Hike when it's cool outside or try going during early mornings or evenings when there's more shade. Dress appropriately. Make sure to wear proper shoes, clothing, a hat and sunscreen. Bring water and hydrate before you go. Remember to bring more than you think you need and head back before you drink all of your water. Carry a mobile phone with you. Hike with others, if alone, tell someone your start and end times and location. Don't push yourself if you have a medical condition. Stay on designated trails. Overall, make sure to be prepared and don't ignore safety guidelines. Certain trails are also restricted from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. when the weather issues an extreme heat warning. This includes: Camelback Mountain Preserve – Echo Canyon and Cholla Trail Phoenix Mountains Preserve – The Piestewa Peak Summit trail and associated trails South Mountain Park and Preserve – Holbert Trail, Mormon Trail, Hau'pal Loop Trail and access to the National Trail from Pima Canyon Trailhead. Reach the reporter at Follow @dina_kaur on X, formerly known as Twitter, and on Bluesky @ Subscribe to today. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Can you hike in Phoenix in the summer? Protect yourself and your dog
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
1 dead, 4 rescued in Arizona mountains while hiking amid rising temperatures
PHOENIX – One hiker has died, and four others were rescued in the Arizona mountains due to apparent heat-related issues, according to authorities. The tragic incident happened just after 1 p.m. Sunday in the Superstition Mountains, a popular recreation destination for Phoenix-area residents, the Superstition Fire and Medical District (SFMD) said. Terrified Hiker Holds Death Grip In Dramatic Nail-biting Cliffside Rescue In California With help from the Mesa Fire Department and the Pinal County Sheriff's Office, first responders responded to the mountain rescue call involving five individuals reportedly suffering from heat illness, firefighters said. Despite the swift response, one of the hikers succumbed to the extreme conditions. The remaining four individuals were successfully assisted down the mountain but declined transportation to a hospital. Temperatures in the area on Sunday afternoon were about 100 degrees, according to the National Weather Service. "As temperatures climb, so does the risk," SFMD said. "Heat illness can set in fast, even for experienced hikers." Rescuers Run Into Celebrity While Searching For Missing California Hiker In National Forest Arizona summers frequently see temperatures exceeding 110 degrees. Under such conditions, heat exhaustion or heatstroke can develop in less than an hour, according to officials. In addition, the majority of heat-related fatalities on trails occur between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., the hottest part of the day. Avoid hiking in extreme heat, especially during Extreme Heat Warnings. Hikers are also advised to always carry significantly more water than anticipated – a minimum of one liter per hour of hiking is recommended. "Please stay safe and plan wisely," SFMD said. "No hike is worth your life."Original article source: 1 dead, 4 rescued in Arizona mountains while hiking amid rising temperatures
