Heat wave on the way

The National Weather Service says there’s a heat wave on the way, and warns of impacts to susceptible people.

An unusually strong high pressure system is prompting the excessive heat watch, which means temps are expected to reach 115 to 118 degrees across the deserts, with 102 to 108 degrees forecast for many higher elevations.

Parker is used to high summer temps, but the warning comes because of the sudden change in temperatures in the forecast, which can catch susceptible people off guard and cause heat-related illnesses more easily than a more average summer day. People working or playing outdoors and people without adequate air conditioning are most vulnerable.

Experts advise that outdoor work be restricted to early mornings or evenings, and that people stay out of the heat in the middle of the day.