Phoenix Struggles With Record Heat As Residents Implement Adaptation Strategies Innovative cooling measures and community support emerge as Phoenix faces extreme summer temperaturesIn recent summers, the city of Phoenix, Arizona has faced a barrage of extreme heat events that have shaped life for its residents and prompted innovative responses at multiple levels. In July 2023, Phoenix set a record for consecutive days of temperatures exceeding 110 degrees Fahrenheit (43.3 degrees Celsius), which was particularly striking as it marked the 19th day of such extreme heat. The relentless heat wave has not only affected average residents but has also posed serious challenges for some of the city’s most vulnerable populations. For instance, Phoenix has launched the first publicly funded unit dedicated to combating extreme heat titled the Office of Heat Response and Mitigation. Residents like Philip Garred find community cooling centers crucial amid the oppressive heat.

Source: New York Times July 31, 2024 12:13 UTC