A dust storm warning was issued for Phoenix on Friday evening.
The National Weather Service issued the warning an hour ago, and it’s in effect until 7 p.m. MST.
“Potential for areas of blowing dust this afternoon and evening creating hazardous travel conditions throughout the South-central Arizona deserts,” it says.
It added: “Impacts: An increase in thunderstorm activity and coverage today is expected, resulting in the potential for large storm outflows to move through the central AZ deserts. As a result. Large areas of intense blowing dust are possible. Visibilities may be drop suddenly, resulting in hazardous driving conditions. Use caution if you encounter areas of blowing dust.”
The NWS recommends to be “ready for a sudden drop in visibility. If you encounter blowing dust or blowing sand on the roadway or see it approaching, pull off the road as far as possible and put your vehicle in park. Turn the lights all the way off and keep your foot off the brake pedal.
Remember, pull aside, stay alive.”
AP update:
Phoenix breaks temperature with record high of 116
PHOENIX (AP) — The scorching weather in Phoenix has broken a record as the mercury hit 116.
The National Weather Service says the temperature on Thursday afternoon overtakes the record of 114 which was set on this date in 2006.
Yuma tied the day’s record, which was last set in 1943, at 117.
In Gila Bend, the high reached 117.
The community of Tacna, which lies about 42 miles east of Yuma, is enduring 120-degree heat. Meteorologists say no previous records for this date were available but the all-time high ever recorded in Tacna was 126.
An excessive heat warning in parts of southwestern Arizona and Phoenix will expire at 8 p.m. Thursday.
Meteorologists say temperatures will take a slight downturn by the weekend.
