Excessive Heat in Northwest Valley, Arizona

An anomalously strong ridge of high pressure over the Desert Southwest persisted into the latter part of July, leading to temperatures in excess of 110 degrees in Phoenix most days during this time. Temperatures during this time period peaked on the 22nd with Phoenix Sky Harbor recording a high of 114 degrees. Overnight temperatures provided little relief from the heat as morning lows remained in the 90s for several days. On the 22nd, the morning low temperature only cooled down to 95 degrees in Phoenix. According to the Maricopa County Department of Public Health, 81 heat-associated fatalities occurred during this time.