Phoenix keeps breaking records amid scorching heat wave

Phoenix broke several heat records on Wednesday, adding to the list of broken records as the city faces a long-lasting heat wave and rising temperatures.

On Wednesday, temperatures in Pheonix reached around 117 degrees at around 2 p.m., breaking the 34-year-old daily temperature record of 116 degrees set in 1989. 

On the same day, Phoenix tied for the fourth-highest temperature of all time at Pheonix Sky Harbor International Airport, where the temperature reached 119 degrees. The temperature was also the highest recorded so far this year and the highest in six years. 

Also on Wednesday, Phoenix broke the record for the all-time warm low, with 96 degrees. The previous record was set in 2003 with 95 degrees.

The city also saw the highest average temperature, recorded at 108 degrees. The previous record was set in 1990 with an average temperature of 106.5 degrees. 

The current heat wave Arizona is experiencing is unique because of how long it has lasted, according to National Weather Service meteorologist Matthew Hirsh.

For the past three weeks, Phoenix was been placed under excessive heat warnings. Wednesday also broke the record for the most consecutive days above 110 degrees in Pheonix, with 20 days of seeing scorching temperatures. 

High temperatures are expected to continue throughout the week, reaching more than 110 degrees over the weekend. Residents of Pheonix are being urged to stay indoors and hydrate. The extreme heat is something that should be taken “very seriously” Hirsh said. 

Several public spaces, such as churches, nonprofits, libraries, and recreations and opened cooling and hydration services for anyone in Pheonix.