Phoenix Sets Record for Consecutive Days of Extreme Heat
PHOENIX (AP) — Phoenix experienced its 31st consecutive day of scorching temperatures, with the mercury reaching at least 110 degrees Fahrenheit (43.3 Celsius). This comes as other parts of the country also grapple with record-breaking heatwaves. The National Weather Service reported that Phoenix hit a high of 111 F (43.8 Celsius) on Sunday.
Scientists have calculated that July is on track to become the hottest month ever recorded, making it the warmest month in human history. The World Meteorological Organization and the European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service have declared July as a record-breaking month in terms of heat.
The extreme heatwave began in late June, affecting the lower Southwest U.S., including Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and parts of California’s desert. As a result, wildfires have been spreading rapidly in the region. One major fire, the York Fire, has already burned more than 110 square miles (284 square kilometers) in California’s Mojave National Preserve. Erratic winds have contributed to the fire’s rapid growth, but no structures have been threatened so far.
In Riverside County, the Bonny Fire has forced over 1,300 people to evacuate their homes near the remote community of Aguanga. The National Weather Service predicts triple-digit temperatures in parts of the central San Joaquin Valley until Monday.
The heatwave has also led to some unusual incidents. In Burbank, California, police responded to a report of a bear sighting in a residential neighborhood and found the animal sitting in a Jacuzzi behind one of the homes, possibly seeking relief from the scorching temperatures.
The impacts of record-breaking heatwaves are disproportionately felt by the poorest and marginalized communities. A study by Boston University found that people of color and those living in poverty are more likely to face extreme heat without access to air conditioning.
While Phoenix may experience some relief from the heat with expected thunderstorms on Monday and Tuesday, temperatures are expected to rise again by the end of the week, reaching 115 F (46.1 C). The city has also endured a record-breaking 16 consecutive nights with temperatures not dropping below 90 F (32.2 C), making it difficult for residents to cool off after sunset.
The extreme heat is not limited to the Southwest; it has also impacted the eastern U.S. Soaring temperatures have moved from the Midwest to the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions, with some places recording their warmest days of the year so far.
As climate change continues to bring hotter and longer heatwaves, the need for air conditioning has become a matter of survival. Heat-related deaths are increasing, particularly among vulnerable populations. To address this issue, it is crucial to prioritize access to cooling resources for those who are most at risk.
Despite the temporary relief from thunderstorms, the record-breaking heatwave in Phoenix and other parts of the country serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to combat climate change and protect vulnerable communities from the impacts of extreme weather events.
Original Story at apnews.com – 2023-07-31 05:19:00