Arizona recorded its first 100-degree day of the year over the weekend. On Monday, the Maricopa Government Association and partner agencies launched a regional heat mitigation network. 200 locations providing shade, water and indoor cooling centers.

Kelly Williams, MAG’s welfare director, said members have discussed extending the relief effort next year. She said the rising number of deaths from late summer heat and heat stroke is a concern.

“We were in the 300s and in 2022 we’re in the 400s,” Williams said. “That’s terrible, especially when you know that last year there were more partners than ever before who opened the door for people to join the Heat Relief Network.”

Phoenix is ​​also participating.

“I asked the city earlier this year to open a cold water faucet near the welfare campus,” deputy mayor Yasamin Ansari said. “And I am pleased to announce that later today, our off-campus cooling tents will also be open for residents who need to escape the heat.”

Ansari said the city was working on long-term solutions to keep people indoors and reduce the number of heat stroke deaths.