Phoenix Endures 31st Consecutive Day of Extreme Heat as Record Temperatures Sweep Across the US
PHOENIX (AP) – Phoenix experienced its 31st consecutive day of scorching temperatures, reaching at least 110 degrees Fahrenheit (43.3 Celsius), while other parts of the country also grappled with record-breaking heat on Sunday. The National Weather Service reported that Phoenix soared to a high of 111 F (43.8 Celsius) by the end of the day.
July has been exceptionally hot, with scientists predicting it will be the hottest month ever recorded and potentially the warmest in human history. The World Meteorological Organization and the European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service declared July as beyond record-breaking.
The historic heatwave began in late June, affecting the lower Southwest U.S., stretching from Texas across New Mexico and Arizona, and into California’s desert.
On Sunday, a massive wildfire in California’s Mojave National Preserve rapidly spread amid erratic winds. Firefighters reported progress against another major blaze to the south, which led to evacuations.
The York Fire, which erupted on Friday near the remote Caruthers Canyon area of the preserve, produced a massive plume of smoke visible nearly 100 miles (160 kilometers) away across the state line in Nevada. The fire has charred over 110 square miles (284 square kilometers) of desert scrub, juniper, and Joshua tree woodland.
Authorities stated that the dry fuel, combined with the weather conditions, resulted in long-distance fire runs and high flames, leading to extreme fire behavior. While no structures were threatened, there is currently no containment.
In Riverside County, the Bonny Fire remained steady at approximately 3.4 square miles (8.8 square kilometers) in rugged hills. Over 1,300 people were ordered to evacuate their homes near the remote community of Aguanga, California.
The National Weather Service predicted triple-digit heat in parts of the central San Joaquin Valley until Monday.
In Burbank, California, the summer heat may have caused some unusual behavior in the animal kingdom. 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.
As climate change brings hotter and longer heatwaves, record temperatures across the U.S. have resulted in dozens of deaths, with the poorest Americans being the most affected. Air conditioning, once considered a luxury, has now become a matter of survival. Last year, all 86 heat-related deaths indoors occurred in uncooled environments.
Kristie Ebi, a University of Washington professor who studies heat and health, explained, “To explain it fairly simply: Heat kills. Once the heatwave starts, mortality starts in about 24 hours.”
According to an analysis of 115 U.S. metro areas by Boston University, it is the poorest and people of color who are more likely to face grueling heat without access to air conditioning.
There may be slight relief in Phoenix as expected seasonal thunderstorms could lower temperatures on Monday and Tuesday. Meteorologist Tom Frieders stated, “It should be around 108 degrees, so we break that 110 streak. Increasing cloud cover will put temperatures in a downward trend.”
However, the relief may be short-lived, as highs are expected to climb back to 110 F (43.3 C) on Wednesday, with temperatures reaching 115 F (46.1 C) by the end of the week.
Phoenix has also endured a record-breaking 16 consecutive nights with temperatures not dropping below 90 F (32.2 C), making it difficult for people to cool off after sunset.
Meanwhile, Las Vegas is on track to have its hottest July ever, closing in on its 2010 record for the average high and low temperatures each day, which stands at 96.2 F (35.5 C).
The eastern U.S. is also experiencing extreme heat, as soaring temperatures move from the Midwest into the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions, with some places recording their warmest days of the year so far.
How has the extreme heatwave in Phoenix impacted other parts of the country?
Rewrite: Phoenix Braces for 31st Straight Day of Extreme Heat as Record Temperatures Sweep Across America
PHOENIX (AP) – Phoenix endured yet another scorching day with temperatures reaching a minimum of 110 degrees Fahrenheit (43.3 Celsius), marking the city’s 31st consecutive day of extreme heat. This record-breaking heatwave is not limited to Phoenix alone, as other parts of the country also grapple with soaring temperatures. On Sunday, the National Weather Service reported that Phoenix’s temperature soared to a high of 111 F (43.8 Celsius) by the end of the day.
July has been an exceptionally hot month, with scientists predicting that it will be the hottest month ever recorded and potentially the warmest in human history. The World Meteorological Organization and the European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service have both declared July as beyond record-breaking.
This historic heatwave began in late June, affecting the lower Southwest U.S. and stretching from Texas across New Mexico and Arizona, into California’s desert.
Amidst these scorching conditions, a massive wildfire broke out in California’s Mojave National Preserve on Sunday, spreading rapidly due to erratic winds. Firefighters reported making progress against another major blaze in the south that led to evacuations.
The York Fire, which ignited on Friday near the remote Caruthers Canyon area of the preserve, generated an enormous plume of smoke visible nearly 100 miles (160 kilometers) away across the state line in Nevada. So far, the fire has burnt over 110 square miles (284 square kilometers) of desert scrub, juniper, and Joshua tree woodland. Despite no immediate threat to structures, the fire remains uncontained.
In Riverside County, the Bonny Fire has remained relatively stable, covering approximately 3.4 square miles (8.8 square kilometers) in rugged hills. Over 1,300 residents near the remote community of Aguanga, California, were ordered to evacuate their homes.
The National Weather Service forecasts triple-digit temperatures in parts of the central San Joaquin Valley until Monday.
In Burbank, California, the summer heat may have triggered some unusual behavior in the animal kingdom. Police responded to a report of a bear sighting in a residential area.
This scorching heatwave across the US emphasizes the urgent need for collective action to combat climate change. Let’s prioritize efforts to cool down our planet before it’s too late.
It’s alarming to see the effects of climate change unravel before our eyes. This record-breaking heatwave is a wake-up call for immediate action to protect our planet and future generations.