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Phoenix’s streak of temperatures above 100 degrees reaches 100th day
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Phoenix’s streak of temperatures above 100 degrees reaches 100th day

Phoenix reached a sweltering milestone on Tuesday, as the Arizona capital experienced its 100th consecutive day with temperatures above 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

The National Weather Service (NWS) Phoenix shared the record-breaking news via X and warned that dangerously high temperatures are expected to continue.

“Phoenix reached this milestone today and the streak is expected to continue with no end in sight,” NWS Phoenix wrote, adding, “This is by far the longest streak ever recorded.”

The previous record was 76 consecutive days and was set in 1993, the agency said.

A man tries to stay cool at a children’s water play area, June 25, 2024, in Phoenix.

Matt York/AP, FILE

On May 27, temperatures in Phoenix began to top 102 degrees Fahrenheit, marking the first day of a streak of 102 degrees Fahrenheit temperatures. Temperatures have remained consistently high or above since then.

According to the agency, the measurements are being conducted at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.

Ariane Middel, a professor at Arizona State University’s Urban Climate Research Center, called the milestone “a historic and alarming milestone in our ongoing fight against extreme heat.”

“The persistent heat increases health risks, especially for vulnerable populations,” Middel said.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heat-related illnesses, including heat exhaustion and heat stroke, occur when a person’s body temperature rises faster than the body can cool itself. These illnesses can damage the brain and other vital organs.

According to the agency, initial symptoms may include dizziness, headache, nausea, weakness and fatigue.

The public health service further notes that the elderly, the very young and people with chronic diseases and mental health conditions are at greatest risk of heat illness.

“This record-breaking heat in Phoenix underscores the urgent need for national awareness of extreme heat. Long-term exposure to such high temperatures is not just a local problem here in Phoenix, but part of broader climate trends that could affect other regions,” she added.

Phoenix is ​​expected to set a new extreme heat record when the thermostat next hits 110 degrees, officials say, which could happen later this week.

In 2023, Phoenix set the previous record of 54 days with temperatures of 110 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. The city tied that record on Friday.

Earlier Tuesday, NWS Phoenix issued an “Excessive Heat Warning” for the region, as temperatures in the city and much of the Southwest are expected to reach 10 degrees above normal Wednesday through Friday.

A lineman works on high-voltage power lines in the morning sun, July 12, 2024, in Phoenix.

Matt York/AP, FILE

In Los Angeles, California, temperatures can reach 100 degrees Fahrenheit and in Phoenix, they can reach almost 118 degrees Fahrenheit.

“Remember to be smart about the heat by drinking plenty of fluids and limiting your time outdoors,” the agency warns.

This comes as more than 35 million Americans are under heat and wildfire warnings in eight states, from California to North Dakota.

This summer, the US and the rest of the world experienced extreme heat.

According to the Global Climate Report from the US National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), July 2024 was the warmest month on record since global records began in 1850.

It was also the 14th consecutive month in which the temperature record was broken, the report said.