Phoenix, Arizona experienced a record-setting summer with a 113-day streak of temperatures over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, resulting in hundreds of heat-related deaths and increased acres burned by wildfires across the state. The city saw its hottest summer ever, breaking the previous record set in 2023 by nearly two degrees. This extreme heatwave surpassed the previous record of 76 consecutive days over 100 degrees set in 1993. Meteorologists at the National Weather Service Phoenix office described the back-to-back record-breaking summers as extremely rare.
Official data shows that heat has been responsible for 256 deaths in Maricopa County, Arizona this year, with 393 other deaths suspected to be heat-related. The county had a record 645 heat-related deaths in 2023. A spokesperson for the Maricopa County public health department noted that it was too early to predict how 2024 heat-related deaths would compare to the previous year, but so far this year’s numbers were below those of 2023. Unsheltered individuals, the county’s most vulnerable group, accounted for around half of the heat-related deaths. Death rates peaked in July when temperatures regularly reached 118 degrees Fahrenheit in Phoenix, a trend attributed to global warming caused by fossil fuel pollution.
Climate scientists attribute the increase in heat-related deaths in Phoenix to the effects of global warming, with the city experiencing an average of 40 days with temperatures over 110 degrees in the last five years compared to about five days at the beginning of the last century. As a result of the extreme heat, there has been a significant increase in the number of acres burned by wildfires in Arizona in 2024 compared to the previous year. The director of the Arizona State Climate Office, Erinanne Saffell, explained that the record winter precipitation combined with the summer heat has fueled wildfires throughout the state, including near Los Angeles.
The heatwave in Phoenix has had devastating consequences, with hundreds of deaths recorded and a significant increase in acres burned by wildfires across Arizona. The city has experienced record temperatures, leading to concerns about the impact of global warming on the region. Authorities are urging residents to take precautions during extreme heat events to avoid heat-related illnesses and deaths. The increase in heat-related deaths, particularly among vulnerable populations, highlights the urgent need for action to address climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. As extreme weather events become more common, it is crucial for communities to prepare and adapt to the changing climate to protect public health and safety.
The challenges posed by the record-breaking heatwave in Phoenix underscore the need for comprehensive climate action at the local, state, and national levels. Efforts to mitigate the effects of global warming, such as transitioning to renewable energy sources and reducing carbon emissions, are essential to prevent more frequent and intense heatwaves in the future. In addition to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, investments in heat mitigation strategies, public health initiatives, and community resilience programs are needed to protect vulnerable populations from the impacts of extreme heat. By taking proactive measures to address climate change and adapt to the changing climate, communities can improve their resilience and well-being in the face of more frequent and severe heatwaves.
