Phoenix weather has broken many records this year — the hottest summer, 50 days of 110-degree heat, and some of the hottest months — but will it break another?

Sunday solidified 2020 in the number two spot for the hottest year ever recorded, with 130 days at or above 100 degrees, according to meteorologist Issac Smith with the National Weather Service in Phoenix. First place is held by 1984, which had 143 days at or above 100 degrees.

“We’ve broken a lot of records this year, so I wouldn’t be surprised if we get close or maybe even break the record,” said Smith.

Less rain has contributed to these temperatures. With less water vapor to heat up, the sun’s energy heats up the air instead. 

Human-caused climate change and the urban heat island effect have also contributed to this hotter weather, as heat is retained in Phoenix’s concrete, asphalt and buildings. Climate change has increased the average temperature in Phoenix by 4.35 degrees since 1970, according to a 2019 report by Climate Central.

Smith said heat safety is one of the top things to consider at these temperatures and urges the public to stay hydrated and stay cool as much as they can.

“It’s kind of overwhelming just having this many hot temperatures this year. I think everybody is kind of ready for it to cool down,” he said. 

Phoenix just needs 13 days to break the record, and the National Weather Service forecasts that this week will make 2020 have 135 days at or above 100 degrees, with highs between 100 and 103. 

MORE: In Phoenix, rising temperatures day and night kill more people each year

Get in touch with Chloe Jones at [email protected] and find her on Twitter at @chloeleejones

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