If you’re walking around in Phoenix at this time of year, your eyes may try to trick you. From a distance, it might look like there's water on the street.
During the summer, air near the ground (especially near pavement) is much hotter than the air above it, causing the light passing through it to bend.
The human eye often interprets the bending light as a flat, reflective surface that resembles water — a mirage.
Mirage is a French word that traces its root back to the Latin “mirari,” which means “to marvel” to “to wonder” and also has ties to “miracle.”
Despite how cool that imagined water looks, it's important to avoid touching hot pavement in the summer. In 2024, NASA thermal imaging showed asphalt across Phoenix reached temperatures as high as 160 degrees, which can cause burns in a matter of minutes or seconds.
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We think great stories start with curious questions, and KJZZ wants to investigate your questions — big or small — from the Valley or across the state. -
If you’ve driven down Interstate 17 near Northern Avenue in Phoenix lately, you’ve probably seen that progress is being made at the construction site that was once a former Kmart. -
Questions remain about whether the way the ballot order is set in Arizona is fair, and whether those listed first have a small but potentially significant advantage. -
On Sept. 8, KJZZ water reporter Alex Hager presented your questions and concerns to a panel of experts.
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Heading into the 2026 general election in Arizona, residents will not see the governor or lieutenant governor candidates debate.
