Phoenix Hits Record Heat: 113 Days Over 100°F, U.S. Soaks in Extreme Temps

Photo : Reuters

Phoenix, Arizona, has faced an unprecedented heat wave, setting a record with 113 consecutive days of temperatures exceeding 100°F (38°C) this summer. This extended streak has had devastating effects on public health and the environment, resulting in hundreds of heat-related deaths and an increase in wildfire activity across the state.

As the largest city in the Sonoran Desert, with a population of 1.6 million, Phoenix experienced its hottest summer on record, surpassing the previous 2023 mark by nearly two degrees, according to the National Weather Service. This new record eclipsed the city's former high of 76 straight days over 100°F, which was set back in 1993.

Meteorologist Matt Salerno from the National Weather Service's Phoenix office remarked, “It's very rare that we see, especially two summers in a row, two record-breaking summers like we just experienced.” The intense heat has led to 256 confirmed heat-related deaths in Maricopa County this year, with an additional 393 deaths suspected to be caused by the extreme temperatures. The county is on pace to exceed the previous record of 645 heat-related fatalities set in 2023.

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A significant portion of these deaths involves unsheltered individuals, who represent one of the most vulnerable populations in the region. The peak of heat-related deaths occurred in July when temperatures regularly hit highs of 118°F. Climate scientists attribute this alarming trend to global warming driven by fossil fuel pollution.

Over the past five years, Phoenix has averaged about 40 days with temperatures reaching 110°F or higher, a stark contrast to the roughly five days recorded in this temperature range at the beginning of the last century, as noted by the Arizona State Climate Office. This increase in extreme heat has also led to a rise in the acreage burned by wildfires throughout the state, with the 2024 wildfire season already showing a significant uptick compared to previous years.

The intense heat has also been exacerbated by a climate-related combination of record winter precipitation and rising summer temperatures, contributing to the wildfires that have recently affected areas around Los Angeles.

As Phoenix continues to grapple with the effects of climate change, the community faces challenges in adapting to these extreme weather conditions and protecting the most vulnerable residents from the relentless heat.