PHOENIX – The scorching heat wave that has held the U.S. Southwest in its grip throughout July is starting to subside as monsoon rains arrive late in the month. Forecasters anticipate that by Monday, temperatures in metro Phoenix will finally dip below 110 degrees Fahrenheit (43.3 degrees Celsius) for the first time in a month.
However, on Saturday, the desert city of Phoenix, home to over 1.6 million residents, endured its 30th consecutive day with temperatures surpassing 110 degrees Fahrenheit (43.3 degrees Celsius), breaking the previous record of 18 days set in 1974.
Sunday brings an increased likelihood of cooling monsoon thunderstorms, although these wet conditions can also bring damaging winds, blowing dust, and the risk of flash flooding, as warned by the National Weather Service. Sudden rains running off hard-baked surfaces can quickly fill normally dry washes, posing additional hazards.
Earlier this week, there was a small respite when the overnight low at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport dropped below 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32.2 degrees Celsius) for the first time in 16 days, allowing residents some relief from the stifling heat during nighttime hours.
Other regions are also expected to experience temperature relief. Las Vegas, Albuquerque, and even Death Valley, California, are anticipated to see lower temperatures. Death Valley, which reached a scorching 128 degrees Fahrenheit (53.3 degrees Celsius) in mid-July, will cool to a still blistering hot 116 degrees Fahrenheit (46.7 degrees Celsius).
Despite the cooling trend, extreme weather continues to impact various parts of the U.S. this month, such as flash floods in Pennsylvania and parts of the Northeast. July is projected to be the hottest month globally on record, and the eastern part of the U.S. is now facing soaring temperatures as the heat wave moves from the Midwest into the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions.
The dangerous heat can be particularly hazardous for vulnerable populations, including older adults, those with health conditions, and individuals without access to air conditioning. Maricopa County, the most populous in Arizona and home to Phoenix, has already reported 25 confirmed heat-associated deaths this year as of July 21, with an additional 249 cases under investigation.
Experts expect the number of confirmed heat-associated deaths to increase, as results from toxicological tests conducted during autopsies could lead to more deaths being officially linked to heat exposure.
The extreme weather across the U.S. highlights the importance of staying safe and taking necessary precautions during this record-breaking heat wave.