Arizona weather updates: Portions of the East Valley wake up to rainfall

Metro Phoenix has spent more than a month in record-breaking heat. July 31's high temperature of 108 snapped a 31-day stretch of temperatures of 110 or higher.

Excessive heat warnings issued by the National Weather Service have persisted for weeks, seeing constant extensions for the Phoenix area and many surrounding counties. The excessive highs aren't the only problem. Record-high lows, meaning low temperatures that are higher than usual, have accompanied the sweltering temperatures, adding yet another challenge to cooling down.

So far this year, there have been 59 heat-related deaths in Maricopa County. There were 345 other deaths also under investigation by officials that could potentially cause the number to balloon even further.

Follow our reporting for the latest updates on the effects of the heat, weather forecast and any monsoon news.

Portions of the East Valley wake up to rainfall

A strong thunderstorm greeted those around the East Valley on Tuesday morning, bringing frequent lightning and heavy rainfall, according to The National Weather Service.

Officials sent out a special weather statement in lieu of the storm lasting until 6:45 a.m. on Tuesday for the areas of Mesa, Chandler and Gilbert as wind gusts up to 40 mph were expected.

― Kye Graves

Red flag warnings in effect across the state

On Monday afternoon, the National Weather Service issued a Red Flag Warning for various counties in northern Arizona.

Parts of Mohave, Coconino, Navajo and Apache counties were all under the warning until at least Tuesday night, as wind gusts were expected to reach up to 40 mph.

― Fernando Cervantes Jr.

Hundreds without power in Tempe as temperatures exceed 110 degrees

On Monday afternoon, hundreds of APS customers in Tempe are without power. This comes as temperatures at their peak in the area reached 111 degrees.

According to the APS outage website, the time of power restoration is expected to be around 10 p.m. Moreover, a shelter and several cooling stations have been set up for those impacted by the outages. The North Tempe Multi-Generational Center at 1555 N Bridalwreath Street will be open as a shelter.

― Fernando Cervantes Jr.

New record daily warm low Monday morning, excessive heat warning until 8 p.m.

The low temperature Monday morning at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport was 91 degrees, which sets a new record for the highest low temperature seen at this date. The last record was 90 degrees set in 2012.

The low temperature was estimated to be 7 degrees above average, according to the National Weather Service.

A high of 111 degrees was forecast for Monday afternoon, and the excessive heat warning issued by the Weather Service was set to expire at 8 p.m. Monday.

New tied daily record high on Sunday

The high temperature came in at 114 degrees late Sunday afternoon, tying the daily record of highest temperatures set for this day. The record it tied with was in 2018.

The National Weather Service estimates that this temperature is 8 degrees above the average temperature for this date.

Excessive heat warning continues, number of lows over 90 degrees close to breaking record

Sunday's high temperature is forecast to hit 111 degrees this afternoon bringing us another over 110-degree day this year and a continue excessive heat warning streak which is set to last until Monday afternoon.

On Sunday morning, the low temperature reported at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport was 90 degrees, bringing the number of days with lows in the 90s up to 23 for the year so far.

Excessive heat warning issued for Phoenix area

A major heat risk was expected Saturday in the Phoenix area as temperatures several degrees above normal was forecast to reach as high as 116 degrees by the afternoon with an excessive heat warning continuing through Monday, according to the National Weather Service in Phoenix. An excessive heat warning was in place for lower elevations in southeastern Arizona, according to the National Weather Service in Tucson.

Saturday morning's low temperature at Sky Harbor Airport was 90 degrees, which is 6 degrees above normal, the weather service said.

"Get outside early if you have outdoor plans and limit time outside during the afternoon. Stay hydrated and protect yourself from the heat," the weather service said on Twitter.

There was a 15% to 30% chance for storms in Arizona, with high-terrain areas to benefit the most, according to the weather service.

Excessive heat warnings issued for Grand Canyon, Coconino County

The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat warning for Coconino County and the Grand Canyon from 11 a.m. Saturday through 8 p.m. Sunday.

The warning is in effect for elevations below 4,000 feet. The weather service is predicting dangerously hot conditions, with daytime temperatures ranging from 99 degrees at Havasupai Gardens to 110 degrees at Phantom Ranch at the Grand Canyon.

― Staff reports

Highs of up to 116 expected; excessive heat warning for Maricopa County kicks in

An excessive heat warning goes into effect Friday morning, lasting through Monday, as "record-breaking" temperatures are likely on the horizon this weekend in Arizona.

According to the National Weather Service in Phoenix, highs of 110 to 116 degrees are forecast across parts of southern Arizona, placing the heat risk at major.

Those planning to spend time outside are reminded to drink plenty of water, wear sunscreen, dress in lightweight and light-colored clothing and take breaks in the shade.

— Kye Graves

Excessive heat warnings issued for Maricopa, Pima counties

The National Weather Service has issued excessive heat warnings for Maricopa and Pima counties. The warning for Maricopa County will run through 8 p.m. Aug. 7, while the warning for Pima County will run through 8 p.m. Aug. 6.

For the latest watches and warnings, see our weather alert page.

Climate data from the federal government shows the Southwest has grown significantly hotter during the past decade. The region has endured the most pronounced warming in the country during that period, an increase that federal meteorologists said reflects the influence of global warming.

In Phoenix and Tucson and surrounding areas, developed areas have grown significantly hotter than the surrounding desert through the urban “heat-island” effect, in which exposed asphalt, concrete and roofs soak up heat from the sun and push temperatures higher.

― Staff reports

Iconic saguaros are withering in Arizona's extreme heat

After recording the warmest monthly average temperature for any U.S. city ever in July, Phoenix climbed back up to dangerously high temperatures on Wednesday. That could mean trouble not just for people but for some plants, too.

Residents across the sprawling metro are finding the extended extreme heat has led to fried flora, and have shared photos and video of their damaged cacti with the Desert Botanical Garden. Nurseries and landscapers are inundated with requests for help with saguaros or fruit trees that are losing leaves.

Phones have been "ringing nonstop" about everything from a cactus to a citrus tree or ficus, said Sophia Booth, a landscape designer at Moon Valley Nursery, which has nearly a dozen locations across the Phoenix suburbs.

"A lot of people are calling and saying their cactus is yellowing really hard, fell over or like broken arms, that sort of thing," Booth said. "Twenty-year-old trees are losing all their leaves, or they're turning a crisp brown."

She advises people to give water and specialty fertilizer to a distressed tree or plant every other day and not to trim them.

— Associated Press

Phoenix sets another record warm low for Aug. 3

The low temperature recorded at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport Thursday morning was again above the 90-degree mark, according to The National Weather Service.

The low of 92 degrees broke the previous record of a warm low temperature of 89 degrees set in 2021.

The newly broken record comes after Phoenix again surpassed 110 degrees, reaching a 5-degree-above-normal temperature of 111 degrees on Wednesday afternoon.

The heat was not expected to let up this week, the weather service said, with more above-normal temperatures forecast to reach 110 degrees or above across the lower deserts by Thursday afternoon.

— Laura Daniella Sepulveda

Phoenix wakes up to 93 degrees, ties 2020 record warm low for Aug. 2

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport recorded a low temperature of 93 degrees Wednesday morning, tying the date's record warm low set in 2020, meaning an unusually warm overnight low.

The typical average low for this time of year is 85 degrees, according to the National Weather Service Phoenix office

— Kye Graves

Excessive heat warning in effect beginning Friday

The National Weather Service in Phoenix announced that the excessive heat watch for Friday through Sunday has been upgraded to a warning. The warning covers Maricopa County and some southern parts of the state.

According to the weather service, temperatures are likely to push up to 10 degrees above normal due to drier conditions through the weekend and stronger high pressure.

The warning was set to begin on Friday, Aug. 4, and run until Sunday, Aug. 6.

— Kye Graves

July in Phoenix was the hottest month ever recorded for a US city

With an average temperature of 102.7 degrees, July in Phoenix was the hottest month recorded for a U.S. city. Late monsoons contributed to the record.

Last month set and broke heat record after heat record nearly every day since July 8. According to the weather service:

• The average maximum temperature in July was 114.7 degrees.

• The average minimum temperature was 90.8.

• Every day in July had above-normal temperatures.

• Only one day in July had a high temperature below 110 degrees.

• July set a new all-time record for the most consecutive days with high temperatures at or above 110 degrees (31 days) from June 30 to July 30.

• July had 19 days with low temperatures at 90 degrees or higher.

• Seventeen days in July hit maximum temperatures at or above 115 degrees, breaking the previous record of six days set in 2020.

• July set a new all-time record warm low temperature of 97 degrees.

• Three days in July reached 119 degrees.

• Twelve days in July broke or tied daily high temperature records.

• Sixteen days in July broke or tied daily warm low temperature records.

• The longest stretch of days under an excessive heat warning was set from July 1 to July 22, nearly tripling the number of days from the previous record, which was eight days.

— Laura Daniella Sepulveda

Dust advisory issued for western Pinal County, southeast parts of Maricopa County.

A dust advisory has been issued for western Pinal County and southeastern parts of the Valley through 9:15 p.m. The National Weather Service said winds in excess of 50 mph may be seen and visibility is expected to drop to less than a mile.

Monday temperatures break 31-day streak of 110-degree or hotter

Monday afternoon in Phoenix showed a high of 108 degrees, meaning a record-breaking streak has ended.

For the past 31 days, residents have not escaped the heat, with consecutive days of temperatures over 110 degrees.

July's temperatures shattered the last record, which was set in June 1974 with an 18-day streak.

The cooler temperatures were expected to continue into Tuesday, but later this week, temperatures above 110 degrees were forecast.

— Ellie WIlliard

As heat streak calms, thunderstorm warnings pop up across Arizona

On Monday afternoon, temperatures in Phoenix were finally forecast to remain under 110 degrees for the first time in July. In addition, monsoon storms were sparking thunderstorm warnings across the state.

Phoenix has had 31 consecutive days of high temperatures above 110 degrees.

Thunderstorm warnings in Coconino and Navajo counties were in effect until 2:15 p.m. as storms moved through the area. Tucson was seeing activity, too, with storms beginning to develop nearby.

Phoenix was also slated to have storm activity on Monday with marginal risks for severe weather across the Valley on Monday afternoon. There were 50 to 70% chances for gusty winds above 35 mph forecast for Maricopa and Gila counties.

— Fernando Cervantes Jr.

Low temperatures are below average Monday morning following rain

Late Sunday evening and overnight, metro Phoenix felt a bigger monsoon storm than usual this season.

It only hit around 18% of the Valley and had an average of 0.01 inch of rainfall recorded, according to data from the National Weather Service. However, some areas near Scottsdale and Tempe recorded up to 0.24 inch of rain.

Along with the rainy relief came some cooler temperatures. Monday morning, the low temperature reported at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport was 83 degrees, which is 2 degrees below the average temperature for the date. More significantly, it hasn't been that cool since July 1, when the low was 81, according to the National Weather Service.

The storms and lower temperatures are luckily forecast to continue, with Monday expected to hit 106 degrees and end the over-110-degree temperature streak. After 4 p.m., there is a 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms and after midnight the chance shoots up to 60%.

With a high of 108 degrees and expected rainstorms, Tuesday is anticipated to lead into a cooler start to August.

Phoenix could snap 31-day streak of 110-degree highs

Currently at 31 days consecutive days with high temperatures at 110 degrees or higher, Phoenix could finally end its undesirable record with Monday's forecast.

The National Weather Service forecast temperatures in Phoenix to reach 105 degrees with a 50% chance of showers. At night, the low is expected to drop to 85 degrees with thunderstorms likely.

Strong thunderstorm expected in Maricopa and Pinal counties

The National Weather Service on Sunday night was tracking a strong thunderstorm near Kaka, 36 miles east of Ajo.

Wind gusts were up to 50 mph.

The thunderstorm will impact portions of Maricopa and Pinal counties through 8:45 p.m. Sunday.

Severe thunderstorm warning issued for Pima County

The National Weather Service issued a severe thunderstorm warning Sunday night for Pima County that is expected to end at 7:30 p.m.

The weather service tracked the thunderstorm west of Avra Valley northwest to North Komelik. The storm has weakened and there is no immediate threat to life or property.

Severe thunderstorm warning issued for Maricopa County

The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for Maricopa County. The warning was issued at 4:57 p.m. on Sunday and expires at 6 p.m. on Sunday.

The weather service warned of 60 mph wind gusts and quarter-sized hail.

The thunderstorm was spotted near Apache Lake movies west at 15 mph.

Phoenix temperatures reach 110 degrees for 31 days

The high temperature in Phoenix hit 110 degrees Sunday afternoon, according to The National Weather Service.

This marks 31 days in the Valley in which temperatures have reached or surpassed 110 degrees.

Slight chance for rain showers Sunday afternoon

The Sunday morning low temperature was 95 degrees at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.

There is a slight chance of showers, then a chance of both showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m., according to the National Weather Service in Phoenix. The temperature high is forecast to be near 110 degrees.

If Phoenix does not hit 110 degrees, it will be the first time in 30 days that temperatures have not exceeded that benchmark.

Phoenix hits 115 degrees for 17th time this year

On Saturday afternoon, as Phoenix reached its 30th straight day with temperatures above 110 degrees, temperatures at Phoenix Sky Harbor broke another daily record.

Temperatures at the airport reached 115 degrees on Saturday, tying a record set in 2020. It marked the 17th day in 2023 that Phoenix has hit 115 degrees. In 2020, the record was 14 days. It is the sixth consecutive day of 115+ degree temperatures.

This temperature is also 9 degrees above the average temperature of 106 degrees.

— Fernando Cervantes Jr.

30 straight days with scorching heat, Phoenix continues to set records

On Saturday afternoon, the temperature at Phoenix Sky Harbor reached 110 degrees, and it has now been 30 days straight with temperatures above 110 degrees.

This continues to smash the previous record set in June 1974, when Phoenix had a streak of 18 days.

But a reprieve is on the way with temperatures slated to cool slightly as rainfall and gusty winds are forecast for the next couple of days.

— Fernando Cervantes Jr.

A break from the heat and rainfall in the cards

As Phoenix enters another day of high temperatures on Saturday, a bit of relief might be finally on the way.

According to forecasts from the National Weather Service office in Phoenix, Sunday and Monday have good chances for thunderstorms and showers in the Valley.

On Sunday, a 40% chance of showers is expected with Sunday night having likely showers with some thunderstorms hitting the area.

This continues on Monday with a 50% chance of showers and thunderstorms with highs under 110 and lows under 90. Forecasts also call for wind gusts of 35 mph or higher.

— Fernando Cervantes Jr.

Phoenix continues to break record of consecutive days with highs at or above 110 degrees

Phoenix broke another record on Friday, with its 29th consecutive day with highs at or above 110 degrees.

The previous record of consecutive days with highs at or above 110 degrees was set in 1974 with 18 consecutive days, according to the National Weather Service Phoenix.

Phoenix wakes up to morning low of 93 degrees Friday

Friday morning's low at Sky Harbor International Airport in Phoenix hit 93 degrees, potentially setting another daily record during the tumultuous heat wave.

According to the National Weather Service Phoenix office, if Friday doesn't see anything below 93 degrees through midnight, July 28 will have a new daily warm low, surpassing the previous mark of 92 degrees set in 2019.

— Kye Graves

Phoenix breaks yet another record

On Thursday afternoon, Phoenix yet again broke another heat record — this time for the most days during the year with recorded temperatures higher than 115 degrees.

Thursday marked day 15 of 2023 with temperatures above 115 degrees.

This breaks the previous record set in 2020 when there were 14 total days recorded with temperatures above 115 degrees.

— Fernando Cervantes Jr.

Excessive heat warnings extended once again in the Valley

On Thursday, as temperatures were forecast to hit 114 degrees in Phoenix, extended heat warnings were extended in the Valley. Originally slated to end on Friday night, the National Weather Service extended the warning until at least Saturday night in Maricopa County.

Parts of Pima, Graham, Greenlee, Yuma, and La Paz have excessive heat warnings running until Friday night.

— Fernando Cervantes Jr.

High pollution advisory in effect until Friday in Phoenix

On Thursday morning as the never-ending heat wave seems to be finally breaking, the quality of air in the Phoenix area seems to be worsening. An ozone high pollution advisory was announced by Maricopa County officials on Thursday and will be in effect until at least Friday, July 28.

Residents are advised to limit their driving and carpool to lessen the amount of emissions in the area, other measures such as avoiding waiting in long-drive thru lines and refueling vehicles when temperatures are cooler were also recommended.

— Fernando Cervantes Jr.

Air quality: Why is the air quality in Phoenix bad? Your questions about air quality answered.

Phoenix finally dips under 90 degrees

For the first time in 16 days, metro Phoenix finally cooled to a temperature under 90 degrees, but just barely. The low on Thursday morning recorded at Phoenix Sky Harbor was 89 degrees. These temperatures come after the first monsoon of the season in the area, with storms moving through on Wednesday night.

Although lower than other temperatures we have seen during the last couple of weeks, Thursday's low was still four degrees hotter than normal.

— Fernando Cervantes Jr.

Monsoon storm: Homes damaged in Mesa as storm sweeps across metro Phoenix

Classes back on at Gilbert school after closure because of AC issues

Classes will resume Thursday at Greenfield Junior High in Gilbert after school was canceled Wednesday due to air conditioning issues.

Gilbert Public Schools officials told Greenfield families Wednesday evening that the district’s operations teams “employed a number of fixes and strategies,” including a portable cooling tower, to ensure the campus will be ready for students and staff Thursday morning. The district’s technicians will continue monitoring temperatures overnight, officials said in the email, and families will be notified by early morning if anything changes.In the email, officials told families there are ice water stations and fans throughout the campus courtyard and asked families to remind students to bring a refillable water to school.

— Madeleine Parrish

Wednesday sees yet another record broken, this time the daily temperature

Less than two hours after tying a record, the scorching Phoenix sun broke yet another record. The daily record for July 26 was smashed with temperatures at Phoenix Sky Harbor reaching 118 on Wednesday afternoon.

The previous record was set almost 30 years ago in 1995 with a temperature of 116 degrees. Wednesday's blazing temperature is also 12 degrees above normal.

— Fernando Cervantes Jr.

Phoenix ties another record; slated to break it on Thursday

On Wednesday afternoon, temperatures in Phoenix reached 116, tying another record, this time for the most 115-degree or higher days in a year. The Phoenix area has now had 14 days in 2023 at 115 degrees or warmer.

The previous record was set during the summer of 2020 and with a forecast high of 115 on Thursday, the record is slated to be broken. Wednesday's record adds to a long list of streaks and records set during the last couple of weeks.

— Fernando Cervantes Jr.

Problems with AC at Gilbert middle school; classes canceled

Wednesday's classes were canceled for students at Greenfield Junior High in Gilbert — the school's second day of classes for the 2023-24 school year — because of air conditioning issues.

The AC problems began Tuesday. The school’s air conditioning was “struggling to keep up with the outside temperatures," according to an email sent to families by Gilbert Public Schools officials. The high temperature in Phoenix on Tuesday afternoon was 118 degrees.

Families were notified of the cancelation Tuesday evening and told that teachers may be emailing optional work for students to complete at home.

In an update sent to families Wednesday morning, the district told families that teams of technicians were working on the air conditioning issues and “a number of fixes and strategies are already in place.”

The district will make a decision later today about whether classes will meet Thursday.

— Madeleine Parrish

July is the Phoenix-area's deadliest month for homeless people

How deadly will this summer be for people experiencing homelessness?

That grim question is top of mind for homeless outreach workers, government officials and unhoused people themselves as Phoenix continues to endure what is expected to be its hottest month on record.

July, typically the hottest month of the year in The Valley, has also consistently been the deadliest month for unhoused people in Maricopa County since the county started tracking that date in late 2019.

Last July, at least 165 people experiencing homelessness died in Maricopa County — more than twice as many as any other month that year. Many of those deaths were due to drug use, heat exposure or a dangerous combination of the two, according to data from the Maricopa County Office of the Medical Examiner.

Other leading causes of death among the county’s homeless population in 2022 were homicide, suicide and being struck by a vehicle.

In total, nearly 800 unhoused people died in Maricopa County last year, though that number is almost certainly an undercount. The medical examiner's office was unable to determine the housing status of almost 500 additional people who may or may not have been homeless when they died. The data also doesn’t include every type of death, such as deaths that occurred naturally in hospitals or other health care facilities, which the medical examiner’s office doesn’t investigate.

“Obviously, over 700 people dying on the streets of any U.S. city is a shocking injustice. And that (it's) an incomplete, conservative number is even more shocking,” said Barbara DiPietro, senior director of policy at the National Health Care for the Homeless Council. “I think this should serve as a wake-up call to the incredible crisis this country has with housing and homelessness.”

— Juliette Rihl

How high school football teams are dealing with the heat wave 

Games don't start until Aug. 17, but as the unrelenting sun bears down on the Valley, high school football teams continue to grind as they get ready for the 2023 season. While some headed north or to the cool beaches in California, others stayed home to conduct summer camps.

Chandler and Phoenix Mountain Pointe stayed home and worked during this current long streak of 110-plus-degree days of heat.

To try to beat the heat, Chandler began at 7 a.m. Mountain Pointe gathered after sundown, at 8 p.m. for two hours, as well as early in the morning.

"It wasn't bad," Chandler coach Rick Garretson said. "It was a little humid. We did that Monday, Tuesday. We went early in the morning Thursday with a practice at 7:15. Same thing. We take all the precautions. We get them under the tree line, under the tents, make sure they get plenty of water.

"Unfortunately, it's the world we live in."

The Arizona Interscholastic Association has a heat acclimatization and external heat illness management policy in its bylaws that schools must follow.

— Richard Obert 

Phoenix registers low temperature of 96 degrees, 1 degree shy of all-time low

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport registered a low temperature of 96 degrees Wednesday morning, just one degree shy of tying last week's all-time warm low of 97 degrees, which Phoenix reached on July 19.

According to the National Weather Service Phoenix office, if it doesn't get any cooler before midnight, Wednesday's low will set the record for the date, previously established in 2018 at 94 degrees.

The typical average low temperature for this time of year is 85 degrees.

— Kye Graves

Phoenix continues to break records with Tuesday hitting 118 degrees

As Tuesday continued on, more records continued to be broken in Phoenix with another daily heat record being set. The high temperature at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport on Tuesday afternoon was 118 degrees.

This temperature smashed the previous record from 2018 which was 116 degrees. Tuesday also marked the 13th day with highs above 115 in Phoenix. The current record for days above 115 degrees is 14, which was set only three years ago in 2020.

Phoenix is forecast to tie the record on Wednesday and break it on Thursday.

— Fernando Cervantes Jr.

Golfers, golf courses take precautions as heat persists 

Despite Phoenix's high temps, the machine that is the golf industry refuses to stop. Many golfers and golf courses are still seeing average or even slightly more traffic this summer in spite of the heat. However, that doesn’t mean they aren’t taking precautions and being cognizant of the situation.

Jerry McEntyre, a 69-year-old Mesa resident, and Roy Varatt, a 72-year-old Gilbert resident, have been playing golf together for over a year now. McEntyre will drink up to eight bottles of water while on the golf course to prevent being dehydrated, while Varatt will have water in addition to lemonade while playing.

“We're trying to play smart because we like playing golf,” Varatt said. “We don't want to get sick, We don't want to dehydrate. I drink a lot of water even when I'm not playing so I won't dehydrate.”

Matthew Stark, vice president of partnerships at the Dobson Ranch Golf Course, says that the summer, while not as busy in volume, typically sees more customers with longer sunlight hours and cheaper rates. So even with the heat, he believes golfers are going to seek it out.

“We're just constantly telling the customers to drink water, be cool, fill out their coolers and bring out fans,” Stark said. “Do as much as they can to stay safe while they're out there playing.”

— Eli McKown

Extended heat warnings continue being extended across Arizona

As triple-digit temperatures have scorched Phoenix for close to a month now, excessive heat warnings have followed along. For Phoenix, this warning has been extended again until at least Friday night.

But that might be the last extension, with both cooler temperatures and some rain forecast for Phoenix during the weekend and early next week.

Heat warnings were extended in Pinal, Yuma, and La Paz counties until Friday as well.

— Fernando Cervantes Jr.

Democrat calls for heat regulations after farmworker death

The heat-related death of a Yuma farmworker has renewed calls for regulations in Arizona to protect workers from the heat.

Rep. Mariana Sandoval, a Democrat who represents the Yuma area, said lawmakers must pass legislation to mandate standards that require employers to provide adequate water, rest and shade to protect all workers, including agriculture workers, from extreme heat.

Dario Mendoza, 26, the father of two young children died at a Yuma hospital on July 20, after collapsing on the job from an apparent heat stroke amid a record heat wave. The high temperature in Yuma that day was 116 and the low was 88, according to the Phoenix National Weather Service office.

"Farmworkers are human beings who deserve dignified lives and safe working conditions," Sandoval said in a written statement. "Mr. Mendoza's tragic passing is a sign that our state is failing farmworkers, who are not only the backbone of our agricultural sector, but who are also valued and cherished members of our community."

Unlike other states, Arizona does not have regulations that mandate employers provide adequate water, shade and rest to workers, including farmworkers, to protect them from heat, according to Jill Guernsey de Zapien, a public health professor at the University of Arizona.

A GoFundMe account has been created by relatives to help cover funeral expenses and to help provide for Mendoza’s longtime partner, Domini Franco, and their two children, Daleyna, 5, and Dario Jr., 2.

— Daniel Gonzalez

Tuesday morning lows remain high, giving Phoenix no rest from the heat

As Phoenix area residents woke up on Tuesday morning, high lows continued in the area with the low temperature being recorded at 93 degrees at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.

This temperature was 8 degrees above the normal and also ties a daily record set five years ago in 2018.

Streaks were extended with the low on Tuesday morning, making it 15 days in a row with high lows above 90, which more than doubles the previous record set in 2020.

— Fernando Cervantes Jr.

Advocates decry caging of migrants by Border Patrol in record heat

WHY, ARIZ. — A few dozen migrants sat under the sun and sweltering temperatures that would reach a high of 117 degrees as they were detained Saturday in an outdoor cage at the Ajo Border Patrol Station.

The majority of migrants sat beneath the shade of the large white canopy as others stood beneath the sun. From the observation point, many of the migrants appeared to be men, but it was difficult to discern migrants’ gender.

Migrant advocates and elected officials decried the outdoor caging of migrants, in the heat describing it as “cruel” and “inhumane.”

— José Ignacio Castañeda Perez

Phoenix Desert Botanical Garden closing early due to extreme heat advisory

Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix announced it will be closing early on Tuesday and Wednesday due to the ongoing extreme heat advisory.

In a post shared on Instagram, the botanical garden said the garden, garden shop and Gertrude's Restaurant will close at 2 p.m. on both July 25 and 26 with the last admission for the day at noon.

According to the National Weather Service Phoenix office, the Valley is slated to stay under extreme heat warnings until Saturday.

For more information on ticketing and garden hours, visit Desert Botanical Garden's website at dbg.org

— Kye Graves

25 days and counting of temperatures above 110 degrees

Phoenix reached 116 on Monday afternoon, tying the daily temperature record for July 24. Phoenix has now had 11 days with temperatures above 115, all of them coming in July. Phoenix ended a six-day streak of temperatures above 115 on Saturday, tying a record with 2021's six-day 115-plus degree heat wave.

Moreover, Phoenix's streak of days above 110 degrees was extended to 25. The previous record was 18 days, set in 1974.

The excessive heat warning in Phoenix also was extended again, until at least July 27. This pushes another record further: the number of consecutive days under an excessive heat warning. The previous record was eight days, originally broken on July 8.

More streaks were extended Monday morning, with the low recorded at 94 degrees, making it 14 days in a row with high lows above 90, doubling the previous record set in July-August 2020.

— Fernando Cervantes Jr.

This is how Phoenix is surviving its worst-ever heat wave 

In the time between the morning’s low of 97 and the afternoon high of 119 on July 19, people went to work, indoors and out. Kids in a handful of school districts returned to the classroom. Several thousand people in the East Valley lost power and sweltered without air conditioning for hours.

Authorities cleared out another section of "The Zone" in central Phoenix, forcing people with no homes to seek relief elsewhere.

And as the sun started to set, hardy souls played tennis and pickleball in city parks, and a sell-out crowd of country music fans lined up to see Morgan Wallen at Chase Field.

And on Thursday, America’s hottest big city was at it again, with another high-temperature reading of 119 degrees. It was day 21 over 110 degrees, with the monsoon pretty much a no-show.

“Right now, it is really getting bad and getting hotter," said Joseph Valdez, 31, who was working construction Thursday morning for MT Builders Companies at an apartment complex site on Southern Avenue and 32nd Street. "You gotta beat the heat, or the heat is gonna beat you."

— Shaun McKinnon

How Phoenix airport is handling record heat  

Cities across the country, including Phoenix, are coping with extreme heat this summer. The heat can affect aircraft performance, such as by reducing the amount of weight the plane can safely carry. It can be too hot for a plane to take off, and the extreme temperatures can also create dangerous working conditions for outdoor airline workers.

While these large jets are capable of handling high temperatures, aircraft manufacturers are cautious to say there's no specific temperature where a type of airplane can or cannot take off. It depends on multiple factors such as wind direction and speed, barometric pressure, runway conditions and whether air conditioning is on or off, Airbus spokeswoman Kristi Tucker told The Arizona Republic.

— Michael Salerno

Heat is only exacerbating medical emergencies, ASU professor says

The heat has been pummeling the Phoenix area for more than three weeks and with no end in sight. Pope Moseley, a researcher at Arizona State University, thinks this heat matters more the longer it stays rather than how hot it gets.

"Data from population studies in Sweden have shown that for every heat wave day, you have an 8-12% increase in overall mortality," Moseley said in an ASU publication. “Heat is a real force multiplier of the illnesses and chronic conditions that we have.”

This multiplier has been seen in Maricopa County, in a report released detailing heat deaths from 2022, a 25% increase in deaths was seen from 2021. In 2022, 425 deaths were recorded, with 56% of them being caused by heat directly.

Of these 425 deaths, the majority were from people aged 50-64, with a majority, 178 being unhoused individuals. Another statistic shows the effect of heat mixing with substance abuse, 67% of all heat deaths in 2022 involved substance abuse, coming up to 283 out of 425 deaths.

— Fernando Cervantes Jr.

Gov. Hobbs asks utilities how they'll prevent outages 

After weeks of record-setting temperatures around metro Phoenix, when both of the area's major electric utilities reported new records for high use, Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs has asked the state's power companies to detail their action plans to prevent outages and help customers if emergencies arise.

The letter, sent Friday, requests that the utilities address how they will prevent power disconnection, mitigate and repair grid outages, help customers in an emergency outage (and) provide services for customers who may fall into arrears. It also asks them about providing additional community services to mitigate the impact of the heat wave.

The two major electricity providers around metro Phoenix, Arizona Public Service and Salt River Project, acknowledged receiving the letter.

Jim O’Connor, Arizona Corporation Commission chairman, described the utilities' performance as a “triumph,” calling it a collaborative effort involving diligence, foresight and preparation. “We've proven time and again that we're all in this together,” he said in a prepared statement.

O’Connor cited several factors that he said distinguished Arizona from other states facing temperature extremes, including a diversified mix of fuel sources, self-sufficiency and proactive maintenance.

— Russ Wiles and Stacey Barchenger 

Cooling center set up with power still out for hundreds in Tucson

On Monday, at least 800 Tucson Electric Power customers were still without power after Sunday’s storm felled 30 poles, which initially affected 1,300 customers. Restoration of power was in progress and was slated to be completed by Wednesday night, the utility said.

The American Red Cross set up a cooling center Monday in Tucson for those affected by power outages on the city's southwest side. The cooling center was at Valencia Middle School, 4400 W. Irvington Road. Nearby at the Anselmo Valencia Amphitheater, Tucson Electric Power was providing ice and the Trico Electric Cooperative was providing bottled water. Leashed pets were allowed at the cooling center, and people seeking shelter needed to provide proof they were from the affected outage area.

— Sarah Lapidus

Streak of 115-plus degrees ends, but the streak of 110-degree heat continues

On Sunday, Phoenix ended a streak of searing 115-degree temperatures with a high of 114. Saturday had marked six consecutive days of scorching heat, tying a record with 2021's six-day 115-plus degree heat wave. Sunday prevented Phoenix from breaking that record and signaled a start to lower temperatures as rainstorms began to appear across the Valley.

However, Sunday still held a high of 114 and soared Phoenix into 24 consecutive days of temperatures over 110 degrees. Due to those continued hot temperatures, the National Weather Service extended an excessive heat warning until Wednesday.

Fortunately, the Valley did see some relief from scattered showers on Saturday. As for this week, temperatures were expected to spike again Tuesday and Wednesday but should begin to cool toward the weekend. Phoenix could break the 110-degree streak this weekend.

— Ellie WIlliard

Yuma farmworker dies amid record heat wave

A 26-year-old Yuma farmworker died after collapsing in the fields last week amid a deadly heat wave, authorities said.

The Yuma County Sheriff's Office verified the farmworker's identity as Dario Mendoza. Mendoza was the father of two young children, according to Domini Franco, Mendoza's longtime partner and the mother of the two children.

Co-workers called for help after they saw Mendoza walk away from where he was working and collapse twice from possible heat stroke, said Tania Pavlak, a spokeswoman for the Yuma County Sheriff’s Office.

When a deputy arrived, co-workers had already taken Mendoza to the Yuma Regional Medical Center, Pavlak said. Mendoza died a short while later at 9:48 a.m. on July 20, Pavlak said. The Yuma County medical examiner declared the death heat-related, Pavlak said.

The temperature in Yuma was in the mid-90s by 9 a.m. on July 20 and reached a high of 116, one degree shy of the 117-degree record for that day, according to Tom Frieders, a meteorologist in the Phoenix office of the National Weather Service.

— Daniel Gonzales

More: Maricopa County report confirms 18 heat-related deaths in Phoenix area so far this year

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Arizona weather: Live updates on record Phoenix heat wave