Las Vegas, Phoenix Face Hundred Degree Heat
It is over 100 degrees F in Phoenix today. According to the NOAA Seasonal Temperature Outlook covering May, June, and July, temperatures will be well above normal from central Arizona and New Mexico to northern Nevada and Utah.
Last year, Phoenix had over 100 days when temperatures were above 100 degrees F, and Las Vegas highs reached almost 115.
Economic Hit
The high temperatures have several effects beyond human discomfort. Two have to do with the economy. Las Vegas and Phoenix are both boom towns that added large numbers of residents. High temperatures shut down constriction sites, sometimes for days.
Second, the stain on the electrical grid and electricity sources is heavy. Air conditioning use soars.
On a humanitarian level, tens of thousands of people who live in the cities are either homeless or live in residences without AC. These people must be relocated to appropriate facilities, which costs the local governments.
Dought Challenge
Finally, Phoenix has already suffered from drought this year. According to The Guardian in January, “The US city of Phoenix is close to breaking another extreme weather record, this time the longest stretch without rain as drought conditions worsen across Arizona.” The water supply is low throughout the southwest and has been for decades.
Earlier this year, Las Vegas did not have rain for 214 straight days.
It will be hot–and dry–in these cities.
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