Phoenix endures record 113 days of extreme heat in 2023

In 2023, Phoenix, Arizona, experienced an unprecedented 113 consecutive days with temperatures exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit, marking the hottest summer on record for the city. This extreme heat has had dire consequences, resulting in 256 confirmed heat-related deaths and 393 additional suspected fatalities in Maricopa County. The previous record for consecutive days over 100 degrees was 76 days, set in 1993, highlighting the severity of the current climate crisis. Meteorologists attribute this alarming trend to climate change driven by fossil fuel emissions, with the city averaging 40 days of temperatures at or above 110 degrees over the past five years, a stark contrast to just five such days at the start of the 20th century. The impact of the heat has been particularly devastating for the unsheltered population, who represent about half of the heat-related deaths. July was particularly brutal, with temperatures regularly reaching 118 degrees, exacerbating the already critical situation. The extreme weather conditions have also contributed to an increase in wildfires across the state, with more acres burned in 2024 compared to the previous year. Officials are cautious about predicting future heat-related fatalities, as the year-to-date figures for 2024 are currently lower than those of 2023, but the summer season is still ongoing. The situation underscores the urgent need for climate action and support for vulnerable communities affected by extreme weather events.