Hidden Costs Of 107 Degree Weather In Phoenix
According to Accuweather, it will be 107 degrees F in Phoenix today. It will be 103 degrees tomorrow . It will then be over 100 degrees from Wednesday through Saturday.
The National Weather Service has posted a warning. Known as an “Extreme Heat Warming,” it reads, “Dangerously hot conditions. Afternoon temperatures 99 to 106. Overexposure can cause heat cramps and heat exhaustion to develop and, without intervention, can lead to heat stroke.” It adds that people should stay in the shade and use air conditioning
However there are hidden costs to this weather.
One cost is treating those with heat-related illnesses. By one estimate, emergency room visits double during extreme heat periods. According to the Maricopa County Human Services Department, “The total operating cost of the Heat Relief IGAs for 2023 (including both Fiscal Years 2022-23 and Fiscal Years 2023-24) was $1,755,088.” The county is where Phoenix is located.
There is also the matter of getting the homeless and those people who live inside without air conditioning to shelters.
How much does air consciousness cost in Phoenix? “A 3-ton AC unit (common for 1,500–2,000 sq. ft. homes) can cost $100–$300/month to operate during peak summer,” according to Einstein Phoenix. That is a large dollar amount compared to the rent many people in the area pay.
It’s not just Phoenix. It will be 30 degrees or more above normal across much of the West. Las Vegas and LA will be included.
One aspect of this is that AC use will soar. AC is powered by electricity. And, in most cases, that means fossil fuels
