A very stong high pressure system will develop across the west during the later half of the week. Daytime temperatures will be much above normal with daily records likely in some locations. Temperatures may approach all-time record levels. An excessive heat warning will likely be required for some of the lower elevations in Northern Arizona.

From www.ready.gov:

To prepare for extreme heat, you should:

•To begin preparing, you should build an emergency kit and make a family communications plan. •Install window air conditioners snugly; insulate if necessary. •Check air-conditioning ducts for proper insulation.

Install temporary window reflectors (for use between windows and drapes), such as aluminum foil-covered cardboard, to reflect heat back outside. •Weather-strip doors and sills to keep cool air in. •Cover windows that receive morning or afternoon sun with drapes, shades, awnings, or louvers. (Outdoor awnings or louvers can reduce the heat that enters a home by up to 80 percent.) •Keep storm windows up all year. •Listen to local weather forecasts and stay aware of upcoming temperature changes. •Know those in your neighborhood who are elderly, young, sick or overweight. They are more likely to become victims of excessive heat and may need help.

Be sure to drink plenty of water and avoid over exertion during the hottest portion of the day.

A Red Flag Warning remains in effect from 10:00 am this morning until 8:00 pm thi sevening for Strong winds and low relative humidity. This warning is for the areas of Northern Arizona from the Yavapai County Mountains, Mogollon Rim and White Mountains northward (Apache, Coconino, Navajo, Northern Gila and Yavap Counties).

Winds are expected out of the southwest at 15 to 25 MPH with gusts as high as 35 to 40 MPH and humidity levels at 5 to 15%. A comination of strong winds and, relative humidity and warm temperatures will create explosive fire growth potential.

For Immediate Release 9 p.m. June 23, 2013 Contact: Jonetta Trued, 928-594-2017 Email: eazfireteam@gmail.com Twitter: twitter.com/firescoop Rock Creek Fire Update Fire Facts Date started: Friday, June 21 9:45 a.m. Number of personnel: 374, including 9 20-person hand crews Location: 8 miles East of Whiteriver, AZ Equipment: 21 engines Cause: Human, under investigation Aircraft: 1 helicopter Size: 795 acres according to infrared flight mapping Percent contained: 30% Estimated containment date: 6/26/2013 Injuries to date: none Cost to date: $595,280 Structures threatened: None Fire Activity: Gusty afternoon winds today helped the Rock Creek fire to continue burning in needle cast and duff all on the interior of the fire perimeter. Hand crews reinforced containment lines focusing on stump holes where fuel continues to hold heat. Dozer lines established as containment lines were also rehabbed. Information provided by an overnight infrared flight assisted fire managers with mapping the fire area more accurately resulting in 795 acres identified in the fire area. The fire did not grow past the already established perimeter. Significant Events: A Red Flag warning is in effect from 10 am to 8 pm on Monday for high winds and low relative humidity. Winds from the Southwest are expected to be 13 to 20 MPH with gusts around 35 MPH. A Red Flag warning means critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now or will shortly. They are issued by the National Weather Service. Closures: The R30 road is closed at Eastfork on the south end and at Diamond Creek on the north end. General Information: The Eastern Arizona Incident Management Team is in command of fire management activities. The Incident Command Post is located at the Rick Lupe Fire Management Center in Whiteriver, AZ. Residents and visitors in the Rock Creek Fire area are advised to be extremely careful on Monday when they are involved in any activity that could cause a fire to start, particularly because of the Red Flag warning that will be in effect the majority of daylight hours.