Metro Phoenix is entering its third week of record heat, with temperatures surpassing 110 degrees Celsius every day.
The National Weather Service’s excessive heat warning has been in place for several weeks and continues to be extended for the Phoenix area and many surrounding counties. Excessively high prices aren’t the only problem. all-time lowwhich means that higher-than-normal temperatures accompany sweltering temperatures, adding to the challenge of cooling.
There have been 18 heat-related deaths in Maricopa County so far this year. Another 69 deaths are under investigation by authorities, and the number could go higher.
Follow the report for updates on heat impacts, weather forecasts and monsoon news.
Governor Hobbes asks power companies how to prevent blackouts
After weeks of record temperatures around the Phoenix metropolitan area, as both of the region’s major power companies reported new record usage, Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs has asked power companies in the state to detail their action plans to prevent blackouts and assist customers in the event of an emergency.
The letter, sent Friday, calls on utilities to work on how to prevent outages, mitigate and repair grid outages, assist customers during emergency outages, and serve customers who may be in arrears. It also asks about the provision of additional local services to mitigate the effects of heatwaves.
Two major power companies around the Phoenix metropolitan area, Arizona Public Service and Salt River Projects, confirmed they received the letter.
Jim O’Connor, chairman of the Arizona Business Commission, described the utility’s performance as a “victory,” saying it was a joint effort that involved diligence, foresight and preparation. “We have proven time and time again that we all work together,” he said in a prepared statement.
O’Connor cited several factors that set Arizona apart from other states facing extreme temperatures, including a diverse mix of fuel sources, self-sufficiency, and aggressive maintenance.
— Russ Wiles and Stacey Berchanger
Cooling center installed as hundreds of people lose power in Tucson
Sunday’s storm knocked down 30 utility poles and initially affected 1,300 customers, but at least 800 Tucson Power customers were still without power on Monday. Power restoration was underway and was expected to be completed by Wednesday evening. utility said.
The American Red Cross on Monday set up a cooling center for those affected by the power outage in the southwestern city of Tucson. The cooling center was located at Valencia Middle School at 4400 W. Irvington Road. At the nearby Anselmo Valencia Amphitheater, Tucson Power provided ice and Trico Power Cooperative provided bottled water. Pets on leashes were allowed in the cooling center, and those seeking shelter had to prove they were from an area affected by the power outage.
— Sarah Lapidus
Consecutive temperatures above 115°C will end, but the heat of consecutive temperatures above 110°C will continue
On Sunday, Phoenix ended a streak of 115 degrees Celsius with a high of 114 degrees Celsius. Saturday marked the sixth consecutive day of extreme heat, tying the record with 2021’s six-day heat wave of over 115 degrees Celsius. Sunday stopped Phoenix from breaking that record and signaled temperatures were starting to drop as rainstorms began to form across the valley.
Fortunately, Saturday’s scattered showers eased somewhat in the valley. As for this week, temperatures are expected to rise again on Tuesday and Wednesday, but temperatures will start to cool off heading into the weekend. Phoenix could break the 110-degree streak this weekend.
— Ellie Williard
Yuma farm workers die in record heat wave
26 years old A farm worker in Yuma died last week after collapsing in a field during a deadly heatwave, officials said.
The Yuma County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the farm worker’s identity as Dario Mendoza. According to Mendoza’s longtime partner and mother of two, Domini Franco, Mendoza was the father of two young children.
Yuma County Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman Tania Pavlak said colleagues called for help after seeing Mendoza walk away from work and collapse twice from a suspected heat stroke.
Pavlak said his colleagues had already taken Mendoza to the Yuma Regional Medical Center when the agent arrived. Mendoza died shortly after, at 9:48 a.m. on July 20, Pavlak said. The Yuma County coroner ruled death from heat, Pavlak said.
Temperatures in Yuma were in the mid-90s by 9 a.m. on July 20, hitting a high of 116 degrees, just one degree short of the day’s high of 117 degrees, said Tom Frieders, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service’s Phoenix office.
— Daniel Gonzales
more:A Maricopa County report has confirmed 18 heat-related deaths in the Phoenix area so far this year.
