Phoenix has seen a series of records tied and broken from the extreme heat this month, with high lows and the longest streak of temperatures above 110. Mayor Kate Gallego joined President Joe Biden in Washington, D.C., as he announced multiple heat preparedness plans.

Arizona’s congressional delegation has introduced legislation to help clear the way for Salt River Project to build a new hydro power facility, which will help the utility generate renewable energy when solar power is not readily available.

If the average holds through the end of July, it will mark the first time Phoenix, or any major U.S. city, has seen a monthly average temperature above 100 degrees, according to records.

We’ve heard a lot about the Valley’s roughly 200 cooling centers. In addition, some churches and nonprofits offer “heat-relief respite centers” where unhoused people can sleep during hours of operation.

The prolonged heat is taking an obvious toll on humans and animals. But what about plants? At the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix, they’re watching the flora in the sauna closely.

Throughout Mexico, agave plants are used to make distillates like tequila, mezcal and Sonora’s bacanora. But there are other products that can be made with the plants, too, and one group is using fiber from agave leaves to reduce waste and bring new income to rural communities.

The Bureau of Land Management has begun the public comment process for two solar projects, one about 14 miles west of Maricopa, and the other about 8 miles north of Gila Bend.

Monday marked Phoenix’s 18th consecutive day of 110 degree or higher temperatures. That tied the record set in 1974. For the area’s unsheltered population, this relentless heatwave has dire medical consequences.

One park official said there’s a 20-degree difference between the Grand Canyon’s rim and the bottom. Temperatures are expected to reach highs of 119 degrees in some places.