On the previous page we discussed the different elevations in Arizona, the hot and cold spots of the state, and cleared up some meteorological terms.
Now, let's get to the nitty gritty--desert heat. Yes, it gets hot in Arizona's Sonoran Desert. That's where the Greater Phoenix area is located. Here are some triple digit details and trivia, provided courtesy of the Western Region Headquarters of the National Weather Service.
Triple Digit Facts for Phoenix
The highest temperatures ever recorded in Phoenix were:
122°F on June 26, 1990;
121°F on July 28, 1995;
120°F on June 25, 1990;
118°F on July 16, 1925, June 24, 1929, July 11, 1958, July 4, 1989, June 27, 1990, June 28, 1990, July 27, 1995, and July 21, 2006.
The average number of 100°F or higher days in Phoenix: 89
The fewest number of 100°F or higher days ever recorded in Phoenix: 48 in 1913
The greatest number of 100°F or higher days ever recorded in Phoenix: 143 in 1989
During the years 1896 through 2000...
The first occurrence of 100°F or higher:
Earliest: March 26, 1988 Latest: June 18, 1913 Average: May 13
The last occurrence of 100°F or higher:
Earliest: September 2, 1904 Latest: October 20, 1921 Average: September 28
The first occurrence of 110°F or higher:
Earliest: May 8, 1989 Latest: August 9, 1915 Average: June 20
The last occurrence of 110°F or higher:
Earliest: June 5, 1912 Latest: September 15, 2000 Average: August 9
During the years 1971 through 2000...
The first occurrence of 100°F or higher:
Earliest: March 26, 1988 Latest: June 13, 1971 Average: May 5
The last occurrence of 100°F or higher:
Earliest: September 9, 1986 Latest: October 18, 1991 Average: October 3
The first occurrence of 110°F or higher:
Earliest: May 8, 1989 Latest: July 3, 1997 Average: June, 12
The last occurrence of 110°F or higher:
Earliest: July 7, 1976 Latest: September 15, 2000 Average: August 22
During the years 1991 through 2000...
The first occurrence of 100°F or higher:
Earliest: April 16, 1994 Latest: June 2, 1998 Average: May 8
The last occurrence of 100° or higher:
Earliest: September 19, 1998 Latest: October 18, 1991 Average: October 7
The first occurrence of 110°F or higher:
Earliest: May 28, 2000 Latest: July 3, 1997 Average: June 17
The last occurrence of 110°F or higher:
Earliest: August 8, 1991 Latest: September 15, 2000 Average: August 21
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