Scorching Desert Heat Engulfs US Southwest, Even as Phoenix Welcomes Rare Cooling Rain

PHOENIX (AP) — The U.S. Southwest is currently experiencing extreme daytime temperatures, although recent monsoon rains provided temporary relief to Phoenix. According to the National Weather Service, Sunday morning saw temperatures drop to 79 degrees Fahrenheit (32.2 degrees Celsius) following an overnight storm that delivered approximately 1.7 inches (4.5 centimeters) of rain. This weather event followed a Saturday night low of 93 degrees (33.8 degrees Celsius), which tied the city’s record for the most nights in the 90s, matching 35 such overnight lows recorded last year.

Despite the brief respite from the rain, the dry heat persists throughout the region. With Sunday’s anticipated high reaching 106 degrees Fahrenheit (41.1 degrees Celsius), Phoenix has now endured 84 consecutive days with temperatures at or above 100 degrees Fahrenheit (37.7 degrees Celsius).

National Weather Service meteorologist Isaac Smith indicated that the scorching trend shows no signs of abating, as an excessive heat watch is in effect for the upcoming days. He forecasted particularly high temperatures, predicting Monday could reach 112 degrees and Tuesday could climb to 114 degrees.

Another meteorologist, Gabriel Lojero, highlighted the health risks associated with such prolonged heat. “Your body doesn’t get sufficient overnight cooling and the chance to recuperate,” he warned, underscoring the dangers of high temperatures.

Widespread scorching conditions are also affecting New Mexico. The state is bracing for near triple-digit highs in Albuquerque, with even more oppressive heat expected in the southern counties bordering Mexico.

The alarming summer heat has begun to take its toll on public health. As of August 10, Maricopa County officials in Arizona reported 96 confirmed heat-related deaths for 2024, with another 462 under investigation. For 2023, the county—home to over 4.5 million residents—reported 645 heat-related fatalities.

Pima County, where Tucson is located, confirmed 99 heat-related deaths by early August, along with fatalities from four smaller rural counties that rely on its forensic services.

Additionally, in Clark County, Nevada, home to Las Vegas, there have been 123 confirmed heat-related deaths this year, according to the Office of the Coroner/Medical Examiner.

New Mexico’s health officials have reported over 760 visits to emergency clinics and hospitals for heat-related illnesses since April 1, including 29 visits in the past week. Data reveals that in May alone, 11 heat-related deaths were recorded in Doña Ana County, although this figure likely underrepresents reality, as not all deaths are reported to the Office of the Medical Investigator.

This story has been corrected to reflect that Phoenix tied a city record of 35 overnight lows in the 90s set last year, though these were not consecutive.