Phoenix, Arizona, has recorded its 100th consecutive day of extreme heat, with temperatures reaching 100 degrees Fahrenheit (37.7 degrees Celsius) and even higher on some days. A record that has been linked to the deaths of more than 170 people, according to local authorities.
“One hundred consecutive days of temperatures at or above 100 degrees Fahrenheit have been set in Phoenix, and this record is expected to continue. A drop in temperatures is not expected any time soon,” the U.S. National Weather Service said on its X account.
There could be two more weeks of heat
The federal agency also issued an “excessive heat” alert starting Wednesday in the state capital, where temperatures are expected to reach 114 degrees Fahrenheit (45.5 Celsius), but authorities also anticipate that temperatures will exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit for at least another two weeks.
Due to this, an extreme heat alert has been activated for the counties of La Paz, Maricopa, Mohave, Pima, Pinal, and Yuma.
It’s always hot this time of year in central Arizona, but 2024 is proving to be one long, hot summer in Phoenix. The previous streak of consecutive 100-degree days in the city occurred in 1993, when the temperature registered 76 days straight at or above that mark.
177 people have died
Heat has become a problem for the city, with 177 heat-related deaths confirmed this summer, while another 436 are under investigation, according to the latest figures from the Maricopa County Health Department.
Last year, the county, which has a population of around 4.5 million, already set a record with 645 heat-related deaths.
Faced with this situation, Phoenix has set up temporary shelters with air conditioning and water for vulnerable people, including the homeless, and is also promoting programs to plant more native trees.
Recommendations for the heat wave
Children, seniors, and pets should stay indoors during the heatwave to avoid health problems. Try to avoid outdoor activities, stay hydrated, and never leave children or pets inside cars.
Another measure being promoted by the capital of Arizona is the use of so-called “cool pavement” to mitigate high temperatures.
According to meteorologists, high temperatures are expected to occur between Wednesday and Friday this week in other parts of the western United States, including Las Vegas and Palm Springs.
Several states with unprecedented records
At the end of summer, which officially includes the months of June, July and August, several localities in western states such as Nevada, California, Utah, Arizona and New Mexico have set unprecedented records this year in terms of heat.
If you need to find a cooling center or for more recommendations, you can check the Arizona Department of Health Services website.
With information from EFE
Continue reading:
- Atlantic hurricane alert for Labor Day weekend
- Extreme heat wreaks havoc across the South and Midwest
- New extreme heat wave to hit the United States: Prevention measures and forecasts