High heat season begins in Phoenix area
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Extreme heat is especially dangerous for people who live or work outside. Photo: Mario Tama/Getty Images
It's May, and ready or not, our high heat season has begun.
Why it matters: To many, extreme temperatures are an annoyance we complain about from the comfort of our air-conditioned spaces.
- But to our neighbors who work and live outdoors, heat can be a matter of life or death.
Driving the news: The Maricopa Association of Governments' regional heat relief network launched Friday with about 150 cooling centers, respite centers, hydration stations and water donation sites Valleywide.
State of play: The region has enhanced its heat relief offerings over the past few years, following several summers of record-breaking heat-related deaths.
- This will be the third summer with a 24/7 cooling center (at 20 W. Jackson St.) and Phoenix has extended the hours of several other facilities this year.
Be smart: Check out the map of all locations. People who need transportation assistance can call 211.
Friction point: Extreme heat is consistently the No. 1 weather-related killer in the U.S., but FEMA does not recognize it as an "emergency," worthy of federal funding like hurricanes or tornadoes.
- Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego and others have lobbied to change that, but for now, all relief efforts are funded by cities, counties and the state.
Between the lines: The feds are in the process of adopting new heat safety rules for employers, though it's unclear if they'll be in effect this summer.
- OSHA in 2024 proposed a series of protections for indoor and outdoor workers who engage in physical activity and are exposed to a heat index of 80° or higher.
- They're expected to take effect by the end of this year.
Threat level: More than a million Arizonans work in high-risk industries for heat illness, according to the Natural Resources Defense Council.
Things to keep in mind:
🥾 Several popular Phoenix hiking trails close from 8am to 5pm on days the National Weather Service issues extreme heat warnings.
🐕 Dogs are prohibited from all Phoenix trails when the temperature hits 100°.
🌬️ Phoenix landlords are required to provide functional AC or evaporative coolers in all rental units.
🔌 APS will not shut off power to delinquent customers when temperatures are 95° or higher and SRP halts shut-offs in July, August and any other time an extreme heat warning is issued.