Phoenix, Arizona, has been grappling with an unprecedented heat wave that has shattered records and tested the resilience of its residents. However, there is finally some relief in sight as temperatures start to drop. On Monday, the National Weather Service forecasted a high of 107 degrees, followed by 102 degrees on Tuesday. While it is hard to definitively say this will be the last scorching stretch of the summer, forecasters believe these will be the final days of extreme heat.
This historic heat wave has left Phoenix sweltering, with temperatures reaching a scorching 112 degrees on Sunday. This broke the previous record of 111 degrees set in 1990 and marked the 55th day this year that Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport recorded temperatures of at least 110 degrees. This surpassed the previous record of 53 days set just last year in 2020. The city has experienced the hottest three months since record-keeping began in 1895, making it an exceptional and challenging summer for the residents.
The unforgiving heat has been felt not only in Phoenix but also across New Mexico, Texas, and the California desert. In fact, last month was the hottest August ever recorded globally, according to the World Meteorological Organization. It was also the second-hottest month recorded, with July 2023 taking the top spot. Scientists attribute these extreme temperatures to human-caused climate change, exacerbated by a natural El Niño event, which temporarily warms parts of the Pacific Ocean and affects weather patterns worldwide.
In July, Phoenix set yet another record with a scorching 31-day streak of temperatures at or above 110 degrees. This surpassed the previous record of 18 consecutive days set in 1974. The daily average temperature for June, July, and August reached a record-breaking 97 degrees, surpassing the previous record of 96.7 degrees set in 2020.
While relief is finally on the horizon for Phoenix, this heat wave serves as another reminder of the urgent need to address climate change. Extreme weather events like this heat wave are becoming more frequent and intense, impacting communities and ecosystems around the world. As we continue to navigate these challenges, it is crucial to prioritize sustainable practices and work towards reducing carbon emissions to mitigate the impact of climate change.
For now, the residents of Phoenix can find solace in the fact that the end of this blistering summer is near. As temperatures gradually drop, they can look forward to a reprieve from the relentless heat. Let us hope that future summers will not be as punishing, and that we collectively take action to protect our planet and ensure a more sustainable future for all.
