By admin 
PHOENIX — Buckle up, Arizona! The hottest stretch of the year so far arrives this week.
Read more Arizona boy becomes Disneyland’s one billionth guest during birthday trip
Extreme Heat Warnings are now in effect Tuesday through Thursday for the Valley and much of southern and western Arizona. Highs across the lower deserts will soar between 110 and 117 degrees.
That’s why ABC15 Weather Action Days are in place Tuesday through Thursday.
An Extreme Heat Warning also covers the Grand Canyon below 4,000 feet starting Monday and lasting through Wednesday. That warning will likely be extended, since an Extreme Heat Watch is already in place there from Wednesday evening through Saturday. If you’re planning to hike the canyon this week, please reconsider.
Take this heat seriously!
Heat is the deadliest weather hazard in Arizona, and it’s the little decisions that make the biggest difference. Limit your time outside during the hottest part of the day. Stay hydrated, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Take breaks in the shade or air conditioning whenever you can.
Never leave kids or pets in a hot car, not even for a minute. Also check on your neighbors, especially older adults and anyone without reliable cooling.
Read more Forward progress stopped on Sunnvale Fire near Dudleyville in Pinal County
The same ridge of high pressure driving this heat will also pull in some moisture.
A few spotty showers and thunderstorms are possible this week, mainly along the Mogollon Rim, the White Mountains, and southeast Arizona.
If that ridge shifts farther north and east next week, it could open the door for a more active round of monsoon storms across the state.
Read more One person dead after crash near Loop 202 at the Loop 101 interchange
Stay tuned as we get closer to the middle of the month.