The blistering heat wave affecting the globe has taken a sweltering toll on the city of Phoenix, Arizona, as residents of the Valley of the Sun recorded temperatures of 110 degrees Fahrenheit or above for 31 consecutive days.
The record goes beyond their previous record of 18 consecutive days, which was set in June of 1974.
"Even though it’s going to be cooler than it has been, it’s still going to be warmer than normal. And the heat definitely can still affect a large portion of the population," said Matthew Hirsch, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Phoenix. "So we’re still urging people to take the necessary precautions, such as remaining hydrated and limiting outdoor activity."
While the US Southwest has been suffering under extreme heat for weeks, Phoenix has been made to cancel many of outdoor events as a result. The city has seen at least three days where the high temperatures reached 119°F, while for at least half of the month, overnight lows stayed at above 90°F.
Maricopa County, where Phoenix is located, saw at least 25 heat-related deaths in July, though that number could rise, as another 249 deaths are under investigation for their relationship to the heat.
Hirsch has also warned August could bring higher temperatures than those seen in July.