On Tuesday, Phoenix finally ended a record streak of 113 consecutive days of temperatures at or above 100 degrees, or about 3.5 months in a row. The previous record of 76 consecutive days was set in 1993, according to the weather service.
In total, the city has seen 120 days of 100 degrees or more so far this year, approaching the record of 145 total days set in 2020.
Phoenix also set a record this year for the most days at 110 degrees or above, with 61 so far. The previous record of 55 days was set in 2023.
Last year, Phoenix had a record 31 consecutive days with temperatures at or above 110 degrees, breaking the previous record of 18 consecutive days set in 1974.
Over the past week, cooler weather has finally brought some respite to Arizona’s capital. The last time Phoenix recorded a temperature at or above 110 degrees was on September 10. But that cooldown may be short-lived, as weather forecasts show the city could see triple-digit temperatures again next week.
Overall, the months of extreme temperatures are part of a worrying trend for the desert metropolis, which already has a reputation for relentless heat. Climate change is increasing the frequency, duration and intensity of heat waves, and the five hottest summers in Phoenix’s history have all occurred in the past 11 years, according to the National Weather Service.
The conditions have been deadly. Maricopa County, where Phoenix is located, has confirmed 256 heat-related deaths so far this year, with another 393 under investigation, according to county records. Last year, at least 645 people died of heat-related causes in Maricopa County, a 52% increase from the previous year.
