Phoenix on pace to see hottest summer on record
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A sign about extreme heat at the Piestewa Peak trailhead. Photo: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
Phoenix is on pace to break several heat records this summer and the only thing that could give us some relief — a very large thunderstorm — is nowhere to be found in our forecasts, per the National Weather Service.
Why it matters: Extreme heat is responsible for more deaths than any other weather event nationwide and it contributed to at least 96 deaths in metro Phoenix so far this summer.
The big picture: Wednesday marked the 80th straight day with a high temperature above 100° and there's no indication we'll fall into the 90-degree range anytime soon, NWS Phoenix meteorologist Matt Salerno told Axios. We've already blown past the 76-day streak set in 1993.
- Last year was the hottest meteorological summer (June-August) on record with an average of 97°. With 17 days left in August, Phoenix is sitting at an average of 99.2°.
- And we experienced the hottest June and second hottest July on record.
The intrigue: During these periods of sustained heat, a thunderstorm that blankets the Valley is the only way to bring down temperatures, Salerno said. A storm can lower temperatures up to 10-15 degrees.
- There is a slight chance of isolated storms this weekend, but nothing more, he said.
By the numbers: Sky Harbor has recorded 0.4 inches of rain since June 15, the start of monsoon season. On average, we see about 1.2 inches by this point, Salerno said.
- There are a few pockets of the Valley — mainly mountainous areas on the outskirts — that have seen about an inch so far this season, he said.
Yes, but: This won't be the driest summer on record — we've already surpassed last year's record-breaking low of 0.15 inches.
- And Phoenix is actually sitting right about normal for year round rainfall with 4.2 inches thanks to our wet winter, Salerno said.
Zoom out: Northern and southern Arizona are faring much better than the Valley's rain gauge.
- Tucson is at 5.4 inches so far this summer — which is about how much they usually get for the entire season.
- Flagstaff is at 4.5 inches, slightly above average for this point.
What's next: Salerno warned that a La Niña weather pattern is coming, which typically means hotter and drier conditions in the Valley.
- In other words, expected above-average temperatures to continue into the fall and winter.
What we're watching: The Biden administration announced a "first of its kind" National Heat Strategy Wednesday to help federal agencies coordinate "heat planning, response and resilience."
- Local governments can apply for a slice of $200,000 in Inflation Reduction Act funding to assist with their own heat preparation.