PHOENIX — Our historic heat wave is shattering even more records this week.
Phoenix has hit 110º or more for the past two weeks in a row and we have a least another week of these incredibly hot temperatures to get through.
The old record for the most days in a row with highs at 110º or more was 18, set in June of 1974, but Phoenix tied that record on Monday, then set a new record on Tuesday. The count is now up to 20 days.
Phoenix also saw it's hottest day of the year so far and one of the highest temperatures ever recorded on Wednesday, reaching 119 degrees.
In fact, Wednesday was the hottest day ever when you consider the average temperature for the day. The day started with an all-time record warm low of just 97 degrees and ended with a daily record setting high of 119. That put the average temperature for the day at 108 degrees. Previously, the record highest average temperature was 106.5 degrees, and that was set on the same day that Phoenix reached a high of 122 degrees.
The biggest difference with our heat waves now is that temperatures are not cooling off as much overnight. During that 1974 heatwave, overnight lows still dropped into the 70s and 80s, but now we have had 11nights in a row with lows in the 90s! (That breaks the previous record of 7 nights with lows in the 90s.)
Most of Arizona remains under Excessive Heat Warnings or Heat Advisories through at least Saturday.
We remain in ABC15 Weather Action Mode as a reminder to take action to keep yourself and your family safe in this extreme heat.
Heat is the number one weather-related killer. We had more than 400 heat-related deaths in Maricopa County alone last year.
So, limit your time outside during the hottest part of the day and stay hydrated. Keep an eye on kids and the elderly as they can be the most affected by this heat. Bring your pets inside, too.
Here are some heat tips to keep you and your family safe:
- Stay hydrated – drink four cups per hour if you are active
- Limit your time outside between the hours of 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.
- Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing
- Check on the elderly, kids, and pets
Watch for signs of heat exhaustion (feeling faint or dizzy, nausea or vomiting, faint or weak pulse, muscle cramps, excessive sweating and cool pale clammy skin). Get inside to a cooler space and drink water.
Call 9-1-1 if you see signs of heat stroke (headache, no sweating, body temperature above 103°, nausea or vomiting, rapid pulse, loss of consciousness or red hot and dry skin).
