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New Kids on the Block to play in extreme Phoenix heat. What to know if you're going

Portrait of Ed Masley Ed Masley
Arizona Republic

New Kids on the Block are headed to Phoenix for an outdoor concert at Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre on Tuesday, July 9, with special guests Paula Abdul and DJ Jazzy Jeff.

Extreme heat will be making an appearance as well.

As of Monday, July 8, the National Weather Service in Phoenix was calling for “dangerously hot temperatures” to persist through much of the week with an excessive heat warning in place for the Arizona lower deserts and southeast California through Thursday, July 11.

Tuesday’s high in Phoenix is expected to be 114 degrees, posing a moderate to major risk of heat stress or illness.

At 7 p.m., when the NKOTB concert is scheduled to start, it's forecasted to be 112 degrees.

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By 11 p.m., the forecast is 100 degrees.

If you're going to New Kids or any outdoor concert in Phoenix this summer, here's how to minimize the health risks and enjoy the show.

What is an excessive heat warning in Phoenix?

An excessive heat warning is put in place during a period of very hot temperatures, even by the local standards we experience each summer.

Overexposure to dangerously hot conditions may cause dehydration, cramps and heat exhaustion. Without intervention, this can lead to heat stroke.

Concert picks:Top July concerts in Phoenix, from Janet Jackson to Francine Reed and New Kids

How do you stay safe in extreme heat?

The National Weather Service in Phoenix offers these recommendations to protect yourself:

  • Stay indoors and seek air-conditioned buildings, which you obviously can’t do at an outdoor concert.
  • Drink more water than usual and avoid alcoholic, sugary or caffeinated drinks, which can be dehydrating.
  • Wear lightweight and light-colored clothing.
  • Eat smaller meals more often.
  • Monitor people with a higher vulnerability to heat, including small children.
  • If engaging in outdoor activity, take longer and more frequent breaks and avoid the hottest parts of the day.

The Maricopa County Department of Health offers additional suggestions, including:

  • Wear sunglasses.
  • Wear a hat or use an umbrella to protect your head.
  • Apply sunscreen that is SPF 30 or higherat least 30 minutes prior to going out and reapply as needed.

Where to find Phoenix excessive heat warnings

There are many ways to find out if extreme heat is in the forecast:

What are signs of heat-related illness?

These are the signs and symptoms of heat-related illness, according to the National Weather Service:

  • Early signs include thirst and muscle cramps.
  • Signs of heat exhaustion may include cool, moist, pale skin, headache, dizziness, weakness or exhaustion and nausea.
  • The most serious heat-related illness is heat stroke. Signs of heat stroke may include vomiting, confusion, throbbing headache, decreased alertness or loss of consciousness, a body temperature above 105 degrees, hot, dry skin, rapid, weak pulse, rapid, shallow breathing and seizures.
  • Heat stroke can be deadly and should be treated as an emergency. If you believe you’re suffering from heat stroke, call 911.

Extreme heat canceled Phoenix concerts in 2023

Extreme heat caused several outdoor concerts in metro Phoenix to be canceled or rescheduled last year.

In early July 2023, event promoters Forty8 Live! canceled all remaining dates in the Sunset Concert Series at Phoenix Events Complex, citing health and safety concerns. The concerts had been scheduled weekly through Aug. 5.

The decision was made after temperatures hit 116 degrees on July 3, one degree shy of the 117-degree record high for that day in Phoenix — a record set in 1907.

A concert by Disturbed at Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre had to be rescheduled when the heavy metal hitmakers' equipment wouldn't work in the excessive heat on Saturday, July 22.

The high that day was also 116 degrees in Phoenix. It was the 23rd consecutive day with a high of at least 110 in a record-breaking summer.

Rapper 50 Cent also rescheduled a date at Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre.

He shared the news on X that he would reschedule his Tuesday, Aug. 29, performance at the venue, ending his post with "116 degrees is dangerous for everyone."

Lucky Man Concerts moved My Morning Jacket's show at Mesa Amphitheatre on Aug. 23 to Tempe's indoor Marquee Theatre and canceled Danzig's concert at the outdoor venue four days later due to the excessive heat.