Historical Context of Phoenix’s Climate
Phoenix, Arizona has always been in the conversation when it comes to the hottest cities in America, but the intensity and frequency of extreme heat events have taken a sharp turn in the past two decades. In 1990, the city set a legendary record with a stifling 122°F (50°C), a number that’s become a cultural reference point for longtime residents. Since 2000, however, the average temperature in Phoenix has climbed by about 2°F, according to the National Weather Service. This uptick is not a blip—it’s part of a consistent warming trend. Summers are lasting longer, and what used to be a week of extreme heat now stretches across entire…..