Excessive Heat in Gila Bend, Arizona

A strong ridge of high pressure situated over the Desert Southwest led to excessive heat conditions across the region to start off July. High temperatures in Phoenix during this time ranged between 111-116 degrees. According to the Maricopa County Department of Public Health, there were 10 heat-associated fatalities that occurred during this time. Additionally, one heat-associated fatality also occurred in La Paz County. The month of July would continue on to become the hottest month on record in Phoenix with high temperatures in Phoenix topping out at or above 110 degrees every day except for the 31st. Numerous heat records would be broken and the summer would become the deadliest on record for Phoenix with a total of 645 heat-associated deaths. In addition to the heat fatalities, Phoenix Fire Department responded to a total of 2,240 calls for heat-related illness, which is 36% higher than 2022.