Hate the heat? Don’t visit southern Arizona right now.
Phoenix, which is no stranger to hot summers, is experiencing a record heat wave in which daily temperatures have risen above a sweltering 110 degrees for 34 days in 2020.
“The main reason it’s been so hot is because it’s been so dry,” National Weather Service meteorologist Matthew Hirsch told the AZ Central on Monday. “Normally, when you get moisture, it keeps things a little bit cooler, but the pattern has been really persistent in such a way that we really haven’t been able to import much moisture into the area. So we’ve had this persistent dryness, and then, heat comes along with that.”
Leave this right here for you. #azwx pic.twitter.com/FDGPlAy9VZ
— NWS Phoenix (@NWSPhoenix) August 9, 2020
The 34 days of temperatures above 110 degrees was recorded by the National Weather Service, which has logged the data for more than a century. The number of days above 100 degrees is expected to rise in the coming months and break a heat record that has been set multiple times in the past decade.
Meteorologist Chris Breckenridge said he expects the number of days above 110 degrees this year to keep climbing.
“Most likely, it’ll be over 40 days and counting by this time or earlier next week, and who knows when it’s going to end?” Breckenridge said.
An excessive heat watch has been put into effect Wednesday through Sunday, and Hirsh warned that people should ready themselves for grueling days ahead.
“A lot of people are going outside, taking walks, and I really encourage people to try to do that as early in the morning as possible and make sure to carry water with you … Just be prepared,” Hirsh said.
