Daily high temperatures in Phoenix are finally expected to drop into the 70s and low 80s this week. But Phoenix was still setting heat records over the weekend.
Saturday’s high reached 100 degrees. That’s 15 degrees above normal, and a record for that date. It was also just one day shy of the record for the latest date in a year that Phoenix has ever hit triple digits.
After the hottest summer on record in Phoenix, October has brought little relief. The month started with a few days climbing past 110 degrees. Before this year, temperatures above 110 had never been recorded in October before.
The unseasonable heat even prompted city officials and charitable organizations to extend cooling center operations and water donation drives, which typically end in September.
Overall, temperatures have averaged more than 8 degrees above normal throughout the month. That puts this month on track to be the hottest October in Phoenix history.
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Arizona labor groups are calling for state regulations to require specific protections from heat in workplaces. But actions from the state have so far fallen short of what workers have called for. -
As the Industrial Commission of Arizona considers workplace heat safety recommendations, some employers say they would welcome new heat rules, but others worry about overregulation. -
Arizona has never had state regulations specifically to protect workers from heat. And as climate change drives more intense heat waves, heat-related worker deaths in Arizona appear to be increasing at a faster rate. -
Heat kills more people annually than any other type of weather-related event and outdoor workers face higher risks for heat illness. What makes working in the heat so dangerous? -
Arizona's outdoor workers endure extreme temperatures. But Arizona does not have any specific state regulations requiring their employers to provide them with water, shade or breaks from the heat.
