Phoenix: Arizona's Heatwave Reaches Worrying Levels with Latest Record

Phoenix heatwave has reached a miserable milestone in its current record, per The New York Times.

The city experienced a grueling stretch of 19 consecutive days with temperatures surpassing 110 degrees Fahrenheit, breaking a previous record set almost five decades ago in 1974.

The new record was confirmed when Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport registered a temperature of 110°F at 11:59 AM MST on Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service.

The extreme heat has become a matter of concern for residents in the Southwest region. While Phoenix has seen numerous triple-digit days in the past, this prolonged period of sweltering temperatures is taking a toll on residents and visitors alike.

Individuals resort to strategies such as patio misters and seeking shade during the blistering midday sun to find respite.

Typically, the arrival of monsoon season provides some relief from the intense heat. However, this year's stagnant weather patterns have left residents grappling with relentless heat and increased risks.

Moreover, the scorching Phoenix heatwave continues to shatter records, as Tuesday's temperature surpassed the previous daily record of 115 degrees Fahrenheit, established in 1989, according to the weather services.

As high temperatures persist throughout the southwest, Phoenix is now facing the possibility of becoming the first city in the United States to maintain an average temperature exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit for an entire month.

Extreme Heat Affects Continents Worldwide

Continents worldwide are grappling with oppressive heat as the United States and several European nations brace for an onslaught of record-breaking temperatures, according to NBC News.

In the US, approximately 63 million individuals are under heat alerts from Southern California to Miami.

Southern Europe is also in the grip of a scorching heatwave, with Spain, Italy, and Greece experiencing widespread triple-digit temperatures.

Meanwhile, in Asia, China and other countries have been enduring weeks of sweltering conditions.

These relentless and prolonged heat waves are predicted to become increasingly commonplace in our warming world.

Scientific studies have underscored the link between climate change and extreme heat events' heightened frequency, intensity, and duration.

In the United States, further heat records are anticipated to tumble throughout the week.

As this weeks-long Phoenix heatwave persists, hospitals in the city grapple with its strain on their resources.

Patients seek treatment for dehydration, heat exhaustion, and other heat-related ailments, exerting additional pressure on healthcare facilities.

Dr. Kara Geren, an emergency medicine physician at Valleywise Health in Phoenix, highlighted the challenge, citing lingering nursing and ancillary staff shortages from the post-Covid era.

This shortage of personnel translates into fewer hands available to attend to emergency patients, further straining the healthcare system.

Arizona Heatwave Breaks Several Records

The ongoing heatwave has etched its name in the record books, solidifying its position as one of the lengthiest on record in the area, AZ Central noted.

Over a week and a half, a series of scorching temperatures shattered or equaled several notable records.

The streak of high overnight temperatures persisted, with Monday marking the eighth consecutive day of lows above 90 degrees. This achievement surpassed the previous record of seven days for the longest stretch of consecutive days with lows at 90 degrees and above.

Tucson, too, experienced a similar trend. On Friday, the Tucson airport recorded low temperatures above 85 degrees for four consecutive days, breaking the previous record of three days.

Phoenix area shattered the record for the most consecutive days under an excessive heat warning on July 8. This warning, which commenced on July 1 and extended until Tuesday, July 18, nearly doubled the duration of Phoenix heatwave's previous record of eight days.

Not to be outdone, Tucson also set a record for the duration of an excessive heat warning on July 10, lasting six days and 16 hours. The warning eclipsed the previous record set in August 2020, which lasted six days and 10 hours.

Thursday witnessed yet another record-breaking moment, this time on a daily scale. The high temperature at Sky Harbor Airport soared to 114 degrees, surpassing the norm by seven degrees and matching a record set just three years ago in 2020.

As the week progressed, Saturday tied the record high of 118 degrees in the Phoenix area for that date.

Sunday saw nine locations in northern Arizona, including Flagstaff, Payson, and Page, establish new daily record highs. The Flagstaff Airport came within one degree of matching its record high temperature of 97 degrees.

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Written by: Bert Hoover

WATCH: Phoenix Heat Wave Breaks 50-Year Record With Weeks-Long Streak Of 110-Degree Days - From Forbes Breaking News