Heat relief efforts begin as the Valley prepares for summer
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Illustration: Allie Carl/Axios
Triple-digit temperatures are about to become the norm in the Valley, which means it's a good time to roll out summertime heat relief programs.
Why it matters: There were 602 heat-related deaths in the county last year, according to the Maricopa County Department of Public Health.
- Heat is especially dangerous for vulnerable populations like older people and the unhoused.
State of play: Phoenix experienced its hottest summer on record last year, with an average temperature of 98.1 degrees from July through September, per the National Weather Service in Phoenix.
- AccuWeather's 2025 summer forecast predicted that western Arizona will be 2-3 degrees hotter than historical averages, and the eastern part of the state will be 1-2 degrees hotter.
- NWS meteorologist Mark O'Malley tells Axios there's a 45% chance of the average temperature during the July-September period being above normal, meaning higher than approximately 93 degrees.
Zoom out: If you need a place to cool down, there are 202 locations around the Phoenix metro area where you can beat the heat.
- Cooling centers are indoor, air-conditioned locations that provide refuge from the heat, along with drinking fountains and bottled water.
- Respite centers are indoor, air-conditioned locations that offer water and space for uninterrupted rest, sitting and lying down, depending on each facility.
- Hydration stations are indoor or outdoor locations where people can get bottled water and other donated items.
The latest: For the second year in a row, Maricopa County and Clear Channel Outdoor have a billboard campaign to inform people about the stations and other resources for people who need to cool down.
Zoom in: Gov. Katie Hobbs last week signed legislation barring cities from prohibiting construction work from beginning as early as 5am on weekdays and 7am on Saturdays between May 1 and Oct. 15.
- The new law, which went into effect immediately, is intended to help construction workers avoid heat-related health issues by allowing them to start earlier in the day when the weather is cooler.