Phoenix Heat: Experts Issue Warning on 'Enormously Dangerous' Heat Level

The ongoing Phoenix heatwave has resulted in temperatures consistently peaking at or above 110 degrees Fahrenheit (43.3 degrees Celsius) throughout July, AP reports.

Air conditioning has become a crucial lifeline for residents in dealing with these extreme temperatures, enabling them to find relief and protect their well-being.

However, the high demand for air conditioning during such scorching conditions can also significantly strain the power grid and lead to concerns about rising electricity bills.

Some residents may be cutting back on AC usage, enduring the intense heat to avoid potentially unaffordable electricity costs.

Jonathan Bean, co-director of the Institute for Energy Solutions at the University of Arizona, described the phenomenon of the intense heat absorbed by roofs and then radiated downwards, turning houses into "air fryers" or "broilers."

This situation poses a significant risk, especially for those lacking air conditioning or who cannot afford to operate it regularly.

Experts, like Evan Mallen, a senior analyst for Georgia Institute of Technology's Urban Climate Lab, emphasize that the extreme heat in Phoenix poses substantial dangers, particularly for vulnerable individuals who may be unable to access adequate cooling.

Phoenix Heatwave

The ongoing Phoenix heatwave has led to a staggering number of records being broken, with temperatures reaching unprecedented levels daily, per AZCentral.

Currently, 18 people have tragically died from heat-related causes in Maricopa County, and authorities are investigating an additional 69 deaths that may be connected to the extreme heat.

Among the confirmed deaths, about one-third were unhoused individuals, unable to seek shelter during worsening heat conditions. Another one-third of the fatalities were people aged 75 or older.

In 2022, the heatwave resulted in the deaths of 425 people by the end of the year.

The numbers provided by the National Weather Service continue to set and break records with each passing day of the heatwave.

The current stretch of hot days has seen the most consecutive 110-degree days (21 and counting), the most consecutive 90-degree nights (11 and counting), and the hottest day ever recorded.

A particularly alarming statistic is the low temperature of 97 degrees, which stands out as a record for the city.

The lack of nighttime cooling is a notable factor that sets this July heatwave apart from previous ones.

The urban heat island effect has become more pronounced due to nearly 50 years of growth in the city's buildings, streets, and parking lots, causing them to absorb and release more heat at night.

Typically, monsoon storms break hot streaks in July, but this year, conditions are not conducive to the development of those storms. The lack of moisture amplifies the prolonged heat, exacerbating the extreme conditions.

Fans Brave Extreme Phoenix Heatwave for Some Country Music

Despite the extreme heat in Downtown Phoenix, fans of country music singer Morgan Wallen showed dedication by lining up early for Thursday's concert, Fox 10 reports.

Some fans who attended Wallen's previous concert at Chase Field Wednesday mentioned that the heat was noticeable, with one fan stating that it felt muggy and uncomfortable inside the venue.

The air conditioning inside Chase Field was reportedly not powerful enough to adequately cool down the space for the 50,000 concertgoers, leading to discomfort and excessive sweating among attendees.

Some concert attendees were reportedly seen leaving the event before Wallen even took the stage, likely due to the challenging conditions and the lack of sufficient cooling inside the venue.

The high temperatures also resulted in water demand, with fans drinking large amounts of water to stay hydrated during the event.

Chase Field officials stated that they began running the air conditioning at 7:00 am on the concert day to prepare for the sold-out crowd and extreme heat.

However, the unusually high temperatures and the continuous opening of doors throughout the afternoon contributed to the challenges of maintaining a comfortable temperature inside the Phoenix venue during the event.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Rick Martin

WATCH: Phoenix hits 20th straight day of 110-degree heat - From CBS News