U.S. Sen. Ruben Gallego of Arizona is continuing to push for FEMA to recognize extreme heat as a major disaster.
Heat is by far the deadliest weather-related disaster in the U.S. Gallego is sponsoring a bill that would update the list of disasters FEMA responds to, so that it would include extreme heat alongside events like hurricanes or tornadoes.
Gallego has introduced similar legislation in past years when he was in the U.S. House.
FEMA officials have said extreme heat events could be considered for assistance in some exceptional cases under current rules. But some local officials in Arizona have called for more clarity from FEMA when it comes to what qualifies as a heat disaster.
This is one of several bills related to extreme heat Arizona Democrats have sponsored in Congress this year.
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It’s not exactly a dry heat these days: Triple-digit temps plus the added humidity means it's not only hot out there, it’s sticky. And for those who exercise or work outdoors, the effects of that kind of heat can feel different. -
The National Weather Service has issued an extreme heat watch for the Phoenix area Monday through Wednesday. -
Schools across Arizona are starting back up for the year. Some start this week, while others have already been in class for a few days already. And despite the relative cooldown to start this week, it’s still plenty hot out. -
In the future, Phoenix will not only see more intense high temperatures, but longer heat seasons, climate projections show. -
On the hottest days, thinner air can make it harder for aircraft to get off the ground safely. Airlines may have to lighten the load by removing passengers or cargo, or carrying less fuel.
