Phoenix Prepares For 100 Straight Days Of 100 Degree Weather

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According to USA Today, the temperature in Phoenix has been over 100 degrees F for 77 straight days since Monday, breaking the record set in 1993. Accuweather’s forecast shows the temperature will top 100 degrees for the next 22 days. Just one more day, as the consecutive days will turn to 100.

It is extraordinary that the city and surrounding areas have been able to support normal human activity for so long. Of course, air conditioning in cars, offices, and houses makes the situation bearable. However, people have to go outside, and people who labor during the day do so often at their peril. Sometimes, the temperature does not drop below 90 degrees at night

City Workers

In May, the city passed a rule that companies with workers outside in extremely hot conditions must be given shade and air-conditioned vehicles. However, the benefits are limited. According to the law, “The new requirements apply to all contracts, licenses, and leases between the City and the contractor, licensee, lessee and contracts between the contractor and its subcontractors, sublicensees, and sublessees with workers that perform work in an outdoor environment.” That leaves thousands of people unprotected.

How Many Died?

There were over 600 heat-related deaths in the Phoenix metro last year. The figure is likely much higher because death certificates sometimes do not list heat-related causes. Some days, the temperature may even be above 110 degrees.

In addition to outdoor workers, Phoenix residents will believe that the heat is a significant issue for their quality of life and related problems, like high electricity bills, because air conditioning has to be on for months. At some point, there will be population migration.