Heat Global Phoenix: Heat Breaks Phoenix: Phoenix reached 110 degrees Fahrenheit (43 Celsius) for the 19th straight day on Tuesday, setting a record. A worldwide heatwave has left cities sweltering this summer. (July 18)
As residents flee the dangerous weather in air-conditioned shelters, the vibrant Arizona metropolis has become a ghost town. Amid the global heatwave, the staggering streak of 110-degree Fahrenheit (43.3 Celsius) days or higher peaked at 117 degrees (47.2 Celsius) by 3 p.m.
Human-induced climate change and the newly formed El Nino phenomenon are blamed for breaking global heat records.
Phoenix has had the longest run of 110-degree days and 90-degree (32.2-degree) nights among the 25 most populous U.S. cities, according to Weather Company historian Christopher Burt. Millions of people are harmed by this thermal barrage.
Phoenix’s relentless heatwave kills during daytime scorchers and nighttime oppression. Tuesday’s low of 94 F (34.4 C) set a record for consecutive nights above 90 F (32.2 C). National Weather Service meteorologist Matt Salerno calls it “pretty miserable when you don’t have any recovery overnight.”
The heatwave has forced dog parks to empty by midday and canceled outdoor events to protect participants and performers. To avoid the heat of the day, the Desert Botanical Garden closed at 2 p.m.
The homeless and vulnerable struggle to escape the heat. After 4 p.m., cooling and hydration centers close, leaving many unsupported.
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In June and July, much of the world experienced record-breaking heatwave temperatures. Rome reached 109 (42.9 degrees Celsius), a record high for Italy, France, Spain, and parts of China. Maximiliano Herrera, a global weather record keeper, said Catalonia reached 113 (45 Celsius).
Due to its population, Phoenix stands out from remote locations like Death Valley and Needles in California and Casa Grande in Arizona, which have had longer heat streaks. On June 29, the city’s temperature dropped to 108 (42.2 C) from 110 F (43.3 C). The 1974 record of 18 days above 110 was tied on Monday.
Heatwaves have serious health and mortality effects. Healthcare professionals report an increase in heat-related illnesses and deaths, especially in the elderly and professional athletes during training camps.
Randy Cerveny from Arizona State University attributes the long-term trend of rising temperatures to human activities, while the current heatwave is caused by a heat dome over the western US. The Southwest’s monsoon season, which usually begins around June 15, has been stifled by this heat dome, worsening the heatwave.
As the mercury rises relentlessly in Phoenix and around the world, this heatwave requires attention and concerte
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