Will this summer ever end? Many Phoenix residents are probably still asking themselves that question, even though Saturday is technically the first day of fall.

The death toll from this summer’s intense heat in Maricopa County now tops 200. Another 356 fatalities are still under investigation. Those numbers are about 35% higher than they were at the same point last year.

Summer is the busiest time of year for the orphan care center at Liberty Wildlife, a sprawling complex of an animal rehabilitation center in Phoenix. If you’ve found a baby bird injured in your backyard, you can bring it in to be treated.

We’re not done with summer yet. High temperatures this weekend are expected to reach 113. That means 2023 will likely break the record for the most days in a single year with temperatures at or above 110.

Thursday, the Phoenix Parks and Recreation Board voted to expand a city program that closes popular trails when the heat threatens hikers’ safety. Launched in 2021 as a seasonal pilot, the program is now in effect all year, with select trails at Camelback Mountain and Piestewa Peak closed whenever there’s an excessive heat warning.

August wasn’t as hot as July — the all-time hottest month by average temperature — but it was still one of the hottest months ever recorded in Phoenix.

Alex Young with the National Weather Service in Phoenix says if rain skips central Phoenix this week, it will set an all-time dryness record. Rapper 50 Cent also cancelled his concert in Phoenix Tuesday due to heat.

Maricopa County has seen a huge uptick in heat related deaths compared to last year. For the people who investigate those deaths, it means working longer hours and more shifts.

High temperatures above 110 are expected through Tuesday, and lows are expected to be in the 90s. "In fact, we are going to be approaching record territory on at least one or two of those days," said Austin Jamison with the National Weather Service.