Phoenix heat wave hits 3 weeks of 110-plus degree days

Published: Thursday, July 20, 2023 - 12:39pm
Updated: Thursday, July 20, 2023 - 5:10pm

New records are being set on a daily basis during this heatwave that has now lasted three weeks in Arizona. Thursday marks the 21st day of temperatures over 110 degrees. 

Thursday's afternoon temperatures reached 119, which is 5 degrees above the previous record for the day, according to the National Weather Service.

Wednesday’s high of 119 was a record for the day, and the highest temperature recorded in the city since 2017.

Wednesday's daily average of 108 made it the warmest overall day in Phoenix history. It has been 11 straight days that temperatures haven’t fallen below 90.

National Weather Service meteorologist Austin Jameson said that’s presenting new nighttime hazards.

"So, we’re having extremely high temperatures during the day and then we’re not cooling well at night, and that really adds to the heat stress burden on people, most especially to those who are without housing," Jameson said.

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