NWS: Phoenix marks 6th consecutive day with temperatures at 115°F or above
PHOENIX - Officials with the National Weather Service in Phoenix say the Valley has experienced the most consecutive days with temperatures at or above 115°F in history.
According to officials, Phoenix's current streak of 115°F began on June 15, and June 20 marks the 6th consecutive day with a high temperature at 115°F or above.
The previous record of four days was last set from August 16 to 19, 2020, which itself tied a record that was set from July 28 and 31 of the same year.
In all, there were 34 days where the high temperature was over 110°F in 2020, which broke a record that was set in 2011.
Related: NWS: 2020 breaks record for number of 110-degree days in a year for Phoenix
Temperatures on Sunday did not break any records. The record high temperature on June 20, according to NWS, is 119°F, which was set in 2017.
Phoenix area expecting cooler weather
After six consecutive days with temperatures at or above 115°F, the Phoenix metro area is expected to get some cooler weather this week.
But there’s no break from wildfires that continue to grow around Arizona.
Fire officials blame extreme heat for the spread of the Backbone Fire that has grown to nearly 25,000 acres near Strawberry and Pine, mountain towns east of Interstate 17 between Phoenix and Flagstaff.
Evacuations have been ordered for residents of Hurt's Ranch, Strawberry and Pine.
Other wildfires still are active near Globe, Paulden, Heber and Hanagan Meadow plus Graham County in southeastern Arizona.
Five consecutive days of 115-degree heat for Phoenix from Tuesday to Saturday broke the previous record set in August 1895.
Phoenix also set high-temperature marks on back-to-back days with 117 degrees last Thursday and Friday.
Last year, Phoenix broke 18 daily heat records and tied another 15 times while also recording the hottest July and August in history.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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Preventing heat exhaustion/heat stroke
The Arizona Department of Health Services stated the following precautions can be taken to prevent heat exhaustion or heat stroke:
- Stay in air-conditioned buildings
- Limit outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day (mid-day)
- Check on at-risk friends, family, and neighbors at least twice a day
- Drink water before, during, and after working or exercising outside
Driving in extreme temperatures
The Arizona Department of Transportation’s tips for driving in extreme temperatures include:
Have sun protection: In addition to an umbrella, take sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat and wear loose-fitting, light-colored cotton clothing.
Fuel up: Keep your tank at three-quarters full. Running out of gas, especially in a remote location, is dangerous in extreme heat.
Hydrate: Take a cooler to keep extra drinking water cold, and consider adding several frozen bottles of water to use for cooling off or to thaw and drink if needed. Make sure everyone, including pets, stays hydrated.
Get help: If your vehicle breaks down in extreme heat, call for assistance right away to reduce wait time, and run the AC. If the AC isn’t working, roll down all windows.
Wait safely: If the temperature inside your vehicle becomes too hot, everyone, including pets, should exit carefully and seek out or create a shaded area as far away from the travel lanes as possible. Be careful walking on the road surface, which can be hot enough to burn skin. Keep your shoes on and try to keep your pets’ paws off the pavement. If you are stopped along the highway, raise the front hood and turn on hazard lights. Please keep in mind that parking in tall brush can start a fire.
Check your vehicle: You can help avoid breakdowns and blowouts by making sure your vehicle is in good operating condition. Check your air conditioner and coolant levels, top off any vital engine fluids and make sure your battery is up to par. Check your tire pressure, as the combination of under inflated tires and hot pavement can lead to a blowout.
MORE: https://azdot.gov/about/transportation-safety/severe-weather
Road Conditions
- Call 511 anywhere in Arizona or 1-888-411-ROAD (7623)
- az511.com
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