Heat Wave
Climate models predict the Phoenix area will only get hotter. What does that mean for the four million residents who must adapt to a new reality?
Aug. 13, 2012

This interactive map can tell you how much it's rained near you. NOAA's map (above) shows New Mexico--the dark reds mean very little rainfall. How parched are you?
If current trends remain, some impacts could be: higher sea levels & coastal flooding; more frequent & intense wildfires; & native plant & animal species will be lost forever.
The drought gripping the U.S. affects nearly 63% of the contiguous U.S. How hot is it? The average temperature for the lower 48 during July was 77.6°F, 3.3°F above the 20th century average. Click on the map above to see maps and charts detailing the heat wave.
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