Phoenix, Another 54 Days Over 110 Degrees?

By Douglas McIntyre  •  June 14, 2024
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One of the most notable events in the US weather last year was that the temperature in Phoenix was over 110 degrees F for 54 days. According to local officials, over 600 people were killed by the weather. 

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The situation is likely to get worse over time, straining the electricity grid, killing more people, and crippling construction. According to the San Francisco Fed,  “Days of extreme heat are expected to increase in Arizona. Maricopa County (where Phoenix sits) is projected to experience 100 days of extreme heat (heat index6 of 100 or greater) 30 years from now, up 69% from the historic (1950-2005) average of 59 days.”

120 Degrees?

Local officials expect that the area can handle this kind of prolonged heat, but many scientists disagree. The temperature at which people cannot survive for long is about 120 degrees F. It can be that hot in the sun on high-temperature days in Phoenix. Some people, particularly those who live in poverty, do not have access to air conditioning. 

A less severe but profound effect of this heat is a nearly total loss of productivity by outside workers during the middle of the day. As more days hit these temperatures, the will worsen.

Finally, the Phoenix economy is built around a booming population. It has risen from 439,000 residents in 1960 people to 1.65 million in 2020. Will people start to leave the city, as they almost certainly will during to longer spells of extremely high heat, that is likely to happen.

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