Arizona lies on the western side of the United States next to the desert state of California which as such does not see intense rains. Arizona is known for its heat. Moreover, Phoenix has seen some massive heat with the temperature crossing 110 degrees Fahrenheit, which is over 43 degrees Celsius for 19 days in a row, surpassing the city's previous record of 18 days set between July 12 and July 28 in 1974.
Forecasters predict temperatures of at least 110 degrees to continue until next Monday. Furthermore, Phoenix has also set a new record with nine consecutive days of low temperatures above 90 degrees Fahrenheit, reaching a low of 94 degrees Fahrenheit on Tuesday.
City officials have raised concerns about the health risks associated with extreme temperatures. As of July 8, at least 12 people have died in Maricopa County, with 55 others under investigation for suspected heat-related deaths, according to county data. Emergency room doctor Frank LoVecchio reported increased hospital activity due to heat-related issues, comparing it to some peaks observed during the pandemic. To address the situation, Phoenix has set up 60 hydration stations, 30 cooling centres, and four respite centres to provide assistance to residents seeking relief from the heat.
A significant number of people, 91 million, are currently under extreme heat advisories nationwide, according to the National Weather Service. Several cities across the U.S. have broken new daily temperature records, with Phoenix tying its daily high of 116 degrees recently. Forecasters have warned of ongoing heat in the South, Southwest, and Pacific Northwest due to El Niño's influence bringing warmer air northward. In response, residents in high-temperature areas are advised to stay hydrated and seek refuge in air-conditioned rooms.
It's worth noting that the record temperatures in July come after the hottest June ever recorded, as reported by the European Union's Copernicus Climate Change Service, and a heatwave experienced in the U.S. in 2022. During a 30-day period ending in September, approximately 1,500 cities and towns in the U.S. broke temperature records.