The <a href="https://newslivecenter.com/tag/national-weather-service/”>National Weather Service has advised four states, including Arizona and California, to modify their water consumption patterns to combat the extreme heat anticipated in the Southwest U.S. on Tuesday.
Last week, the region experienced scorching temperatures surpassing 100 degrees Fahrenheit in various cities. Multiple NWS offices in California, Arizona, Utah, and Nevada have issued heat alerts, with excessive heat warnings in each state and a specific heat warning in central California.
Heat-related illnesses like heatstroke and heat exhaustion can be fatal. Phoenix, Arizona is expected to face some of the most sweltering conditions with temperatures ranging between 106-115 degrees Fahrenheit.
The advisory emphasizes the importance of staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water, staying in air-conditioned spaces, and avoiding direct sunlight. It also stresses the need to check on family and neighbors, and the importance of not leaving children and pets unattended in cars as the interior can quickly become dangerously hot.
According to the CDC, the U.S. experiences an average of 702 heat-related deaths annually. Those working in extreme heat should consume water at a steady pace – an 8-ounce cup every 15-20 minutes, amounting to 24 to 36 ounces per hour. The CDC recommends frequent sips of water rather than large quantities at once to stay properly hydrated.
The CDC warns against excessive water consumption as it can lead to medical issues, stating, “Do not drink more than 48 oz (1½ quarts) per hour! Overhydration can be a crisis as low sodium levels in the blood have serious implications.”
Most heat alerts are expected to expire by Wednesday night or Thursday evening.