July 4th is going to be hot. Here's how Valley residents can beat the heat

Fourth of July is just around the corner and preparations for the holiday in Phoenix involve mitigating one of the hottest days of the year.

Forecasted temperatures for the Fourth of July will be hot, with the high forecasted to reach 111 degrees. According to the National Weather Service, the Valley has a chance of having higher-than-average temperatures on July 4 after 2023's holiday set a recent heat benchmark.

Gabriel Lojero, a meteorologist from the National Weather Service said the Valley last month saw the "hottest start to June on record."

“Looking at all the factors that go into making an outlook, it looks like it may turn out to be another drier and hotter than normal summer,” Lojero said

The record for temperature was set in 1989, when the mercury in Phoenix thermometers reached 118 degrees Fahrenheit. Last year was the hottest Fourth of July in more than 20 years, with temperatures reaching 113 degrees.

That high mark came as Maricopa County last year broke a record with 645 confirmed heat-related deaths, shattering the record set the previous year with a 52% increase. In Phoenix and surrounding areas, developed areas have grown significantly hotter than the surrounding desert through the urban “heat-island” effect, in which exposed asphalt, concrete and roofs soak up heat from the sun and push temperatures higher.

Now with dangerous heat on the horizon heading into the holiday, officials across the Valley want to remind Arizonans how to stay safe.

How can I beat the Arizona heat on the 4th of July?

Dr. Nick Staab, assistant director of public health for Maricopa County there are various ways Valley residents can stay cool this Fourth of July.

“For folks who don't have a reliable air-conditioned space, the heat relief network is set up this summer. It’s a network of respite and cooling centers across Maricopa County run by a variety of organizations,” Staab said.

Residents can visit the county's website to see a map of heat relief locations across the Valley and their operating hours. Not all locations will be open on the Fourth of July, with some having shorter hours.

Staab also had a warning for partiers who believe alcohol is a way to hydrate during the holiday.

“Water is the best thing to drink to keep hydrated,” Staab said. “Alcohol consumption is not the same for hydration as water.”

The Arizona Department of Health Services also provided tips to prevent heat-related illness. Drinking at least two liters of water per day is recommended for people who are indoors, one to two liters per hour is recommended if you are outside.

Lightweight, light-colored clothing and sunscreen are recommended if you're going to be outside on the Fourth of July. Small, more frequent meals are more beneficial in the heat. Foods high in protein are not recommended, as they increase metabolic heat.

Remember to check in with friends, family or others for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Officials also recommend slowing down or avoiding strenuous activity altogether during the day, and limiting those to the coolest hours of the day: between 4 a.m. and 7 a.m.

Indoor Fourth of July events in the Valley

Across the Valley, there are Fourth of July events that the whole family can enjoy safely and out of the heat.

Scottsdale 4th of July Celebration at WestWorld: Hosted inside the air-conditioned WestWorld of Scottsdale, families can beat the heat and celebrate the Fourth of July indoors. According to the event's website, it will feature games, an eating contest championship and more.

Tickets for indoor admission and all-you-can-eat barbeque are $50 for adults and $30 for children with indoor access-only tickets being $25 per person. A third ticket is also available with a fireworks-only option of $20 per car, this gives people access to the parking lot outside the venue to watch the fireworks show.

Location: WestWorld of Scottsdale, 16601 N. Pima Rd. Scottsdale, AZ 85260

Hours: 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Dave & Busters Beat the Heat July 4th Family Event: Dave and Busters in Tempe is also hosting an indoor event. For $36.50, people will be able to enjoy an appetizer banquet, unlimited soft drinks, a $20 Power Card and unlimited video games.

The appetizer banquet menu includes baked cheeseburger slides, flatbread cheese pizza, crispy chicken bites, baked macaroni and cheese and french fries.

Location: 2000 E. Rio Salado Pkwy., Tempe, AZ 85281

Hours: 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Maricopa County also shared a list of various locations across the Valley that are offering some hours of operation on the Fourth of July, but officials still recommend that people visit their interactive website to see hours of operation for sites near them.

4th of July at Pedal Haus Brewery: Pedal Haus Brewery in Downtown Phoenix is hosting an indoor event featuring food and drinks while beating the heat. For $17.76 diners can enjoy a Chicago dog, tater tots, a light day drinker lager and an entry for a Diamondbacks ticket raffle.

Furthermore, day drinker light lagers and adult soda pops will be $4 all day, raffles for Diamondbacks tickets, swag and Pedal Haus Brewery merch will also be on offer.

Location:

214 E. Roosevelt St., Ste. 4, Phoenix, AZ 85004

Hours: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Reach the reporter at fernando.cervantes@gannett.com.