Phoenix on Pace to Break Heat Records as Summer Dragged on Without Relief

Phoenix is experiencing one of the hottest summers on record, with 80 consecutive days of temperatures above 100 degrees, shattering the previous record set in 1993. The National Weather Service's forecast suggests that no significant relief is in sight, leaving residents vulnerable to the extreme heat. This prolonged heat wave has already claimed at least 96 lives in metro Phoenix, making it a significant public health concern.

Key Takeaways:

• Phoenix has experienced 80 consecutive days with temperatures above 100 degrees, breaking the previous record set in 1993.
• The city has already surpassed the 76-day streak set in 1993, with no indication of a drop into the 90-degree range soon.
• Thunderstorms, which can lower temperatures by up to 10-15 degrees, are scarce in the area, with only a slight chance of isolated storms this weekend.
• Sky Harbor has recorded 0.4 inches of rain since June 15, which is significantly below the average of 1.2 inches.
• Northern and southern Arizona are faring better, with Tucson at 5.4 inches and Flagstaff at 4.5 inches of rainfall so far this summer.
• Climate experts predict that a La Niña weather pattern will bring hotter and drier conditions to the Valley in the coming months.
• The Biden administration has announced a National Heat Strategy to help federal agencies prepare for heat events, with local governments eligible for $200,000 in funding to assist with heat preparation.

Statistics:

• 80 consecutive days of temperatures above 100 degrees in Phoenix.
• 96 deaths attributed to heat in metro Phoenix so far this summer.
• 0.4 inches of rain recorded at Sky Harbor since June 15, compared to an average of 1.2 inches.
• 0.15 inches of rainfall during the area's driest summer on record in 2022.
• 1.2 inches of rainfall average by this point in the monsoon season.
• 4.2 inches of rainfall in Phoenix for the year so far, which is normal due to a wet winter.
• 5.4 inches of rainfall in Tucson so far this summer, which is near the average for the entire season.
• 4.5 inches of rainfall in Flagstaff so far this summer, slightly above average.

Sources:

• Axios, "Phoenix is on pace to break several heat records this summer and the only thing that could give us some relief -- a very large thunderstorm -- is nowhere to be found in our forecasts, per the National Weather Service."
• Axios, "Extreme heat is responsible for more deaths than any other weather event nationwide and it contributed to at least 96 deaths in metro Phoenix so far this summer."
• Axios, "Wednesday marked the 80th straight day with a high temperature above 100 and there's no indication we'll fall into the 90-degree range anytime soon, NWS Phoenix meteorologist Matt Salerno told Axios."
• Axios, "Last year was the hottest meteorological summer (June-August) on record with an average of 97."
• Axios, "With 17 days left in August, Phoenix is sitting at an average of 99.2."
• Axios, "There is a slight chance of isolated storms this weekend, but nothing more, he said."
• Axios, "Sky Harbor has recorded 0.4 inches of rain since June 15, the start of monsoon season."
• Axios, "There are a few pockets of the Valley -- mainly mountainous areas on the outskirts -- that have seen about an inch so far this season, he said."
• Axios, "Climate.gov, "August 2024 Outlook: La Niña Watch -- Dog Days of Summer.""
• Axios, "The Biden administration announced a 'first of its kind' National Heat Strategy Wednesday to help federal agencies coordinate 'heat planning, response and resilience.'"
• Axios, "Inflation Reduction Act funding to assist with heat preparation."