Heat Warnings Issued as Hottest Summer Ever Recorded in Phoenix

National Weather Service (NWS) meteorologists have issued a slew of heat-related weather advisories for Phoenix, Arizona, and surrounding areas as the hottest summer in Phoenix was recorded.
Excessively hot temperatures have plagued the U.S. Southwest this year. This summer, California battled weeks of heat that sent temperatures soaring well past 100 degrees Fahrenheit in some areas. July 2024 was the hottest month California has ever seen, Newsweek previously reported, spiking temperatures to 129 degrees in Death Valley in southern California.
Phoenix also recorded its hottest summer ever, according to extreme weather chaser Colin McCarthy.
“Phoenix, Arizona, just experienced one of the hottest summers ever recorded by any major city on Earth. The average temperature for the entire summer was 99°F (37.2°C),” McCarthy posted on X, formerly Twitter, on Monday night.
NWS meteorologist Sean Benedict told Newsweek that Phoenix’s average temperatures from June through August are around 93 or 94 degrees Fahrenheit. He said there were greater temperature extremes last year, but Tuesday marks the 100th straight day of 100-degree temperatures or higher.
Summer weather has been drier than normal in Phoenix this year, which could’ve contributed to the extended heat given the lack of rain and cloud cover.
Benedict added that the heat has been a regional challenge, affecting more areas than Phoenix alone.
Arizona Department of Environmental Quality air-quality meteorologist Matt Pace previously told Newsweek that Phoenix receives 95 percent or more of sunshine throughout the year. However, high pressure is often present over the city, creating hot temperatures.
The U.S. Southwest will again experience brutal temperatures this week. Excessive heat warnings have been issued across southern California, southern Nevada and western Arizona, and the hot weather is likely to remain at least through Friday.
In Phoenix, high temperatures are expected to peak on Thursday, when the forecast shows temperatures reaching 114 degrees Fahrenheit. NWS Phoenix posted on X that temperatures will be as high as 10 degrees above normal. The forecast heat will have “extreme” impacts, according to the NWS HeatRisk, a tool forecasting heat-related impacts over 24 hours.
“Dangerously hot conditions. Afternoon temperatures 103 to 112 expected,” the excessive heat warning for Tuesday said. “Major Heat Risk. Overexposure can cause heat cramps and heat exhaustion to develop and, without intervention, can lead to heat stroke.”
“Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible, reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening,” the warning continued. “Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when possible and drink plenty of water.”