Phoenix, Arizona experienced its 19th straight day of scorching heat on Tuesday, setting a record for U.S. cities. With temperatures reaching 117 degrees Fahrenheit, Phoenix’s streak of 110-degree days or 90-degree nights is unprecedented among major cities in the United States. This extreme heat is the result of a combination of human-caused climate change and the formation of a new El Nino event. Scientists warn that these factors are contributing to heat records being shattered worldwide.
The effects of this prolonged heat wave are significant. Christopher Burt, a weather historian, notes that when millions of people are exposed to such extreme temperatures, there will inevitably be impacts. Russell Vose, Director of the NOAA Climate Analysis Group, highlights the importance of recording such heat events, as they serve as a reminder of the consequences of climate change. The effects are not limited to Phoenix, as around one-third of Americans are under some form of heat advisory, with the South and West regions experiencing particularly blistering temperatures.
The scorching temperatures in Phoenix have caused the city to resemble a ghost town, with many residents seeking refuge in air-conditioned spaces. The lack of a nighttime cooldown, with temperatures not dropping below 90 degrees Fahrenheit, is especially concerning for those without access to air conditioning. National Weather Service meteorologist Matt Salerno describes the situation as “pretty miserable” when there is no overnight recovery. Additionally, the extreme heat has led to the cancellation of outdoor events and the closure of the city’s Desert Botanical Garden during the hottest parts of the day.
The record-breaking temperatures in Phoenix have also posed challenges for the homeless population. With limited access to shade and cooling centers, individuals like Lori Miccichi have had to endure extreme conditions. Miccichi explains that finding shade is essential during such intense heat, and this past week has been the hottest she has ever experienced.
The global heatwave is not limited to Phoenix. June and July have seen record-breaking temperatures worldwide. According to the University of Maine’s Climate Reanalyzer, the global average temperature has surpassed previous records almost every day this month. U.S. weather stations have also broken over 860 heat records in the past seven days, with countries like Italy, France, Spain, and China experiencing unprecedented heatwaves of their own.
While other locations like Death Valley and Needles, California, have had longer stretches of extreme heat, Phoenix stands out due to its high population density. The city’s record streak is causing concern among health officials, who foresee a significant increase in deaths and illness as a result. Heat-related illnesses and fatalities extend beyond the elderly, with professional athletes also falling ill during training camp.
The current heatwave in Phoenix is the result of both immediate and long-term factors. The combination of human-induced climate change and the formation of an El Nino event is amplifying temperatures to levels never seen before. Experts stress the importance of these records as a reminder of the consequences of climate change and the need for action to prevent further damage.
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