The unrelenting heat in Phoenix has reached a record-breaking level, with the city hitting its 100th consecutive day of temperatures at or above 100 degrees Fahrenheit This shatters the previous record of 76 days set in 1993, CBS News reports, citing the National Weather Service (NWS).
The heatwave began on May 27th when the temperature reached 102 degrees, and has persisted ever since. The lack of monsoon rains, which typically provide some relief from the desert heat, has contributed to the prolonged heatwave.
“That is definitely an eye-catching number,” said NWS meteorologist Sean Benedict.
The persistent heat is part of a larger trend of extreme temperatures across the Western United States. An excessive heat warning is in effect for Arizona, Nevada, and parts of California, with temperatures forecast to reach up to 118 degrees in Death Valley.
The relentless heat has had a severe impact on public health in Arizona, particularly in Maricopa County, home to Phoenix. As of August 24, 150 heat-related deaths have been confirmed this year, with another 443 under investigation. Last year, Maricopa County saw 645 heat-related fatalities.
Homeless populations in Phoenix have been especially vulnerable to the extreme heat. Nearly half of the 645 heat-related deaths in 2023 were among homeless individuals.
The intense heat has also led to increased wildfire risk across California, prompting red flag warnings and evacuations for residents near Lake Tahoe. The Bear Fire, fueled by erratic winds, grew to more than two square miles by Tuesday morning.
Cooling centers have been activated across Los Angeles County to help residents cope with the scorching temperatures.
