Phoenix sets record heat for day at 118 degrees

Associated Press

Posted on July 2, 2011 at 9:00 PM

PHOENIX (AP) — About 4,000 homes in the metropolitan Phoenix area are without power — and air-conditioning — on a record-shattering day of heat in one of the nation's hottest cities.
Phoenix hit a high temperature of 118 degrees on Saturday, topping a 10-year-old record of 116 degrees for the date.
The National Weather Service say clouds from monsoon activity likely kept the area from reaching 120 degrees, but they say it's still the city's hottest day so far this year.
The monsoon brought wind gusts that toppled power lines and knocked out electricity to homes in Phoenix suburbs.
Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio ordered thousands of bags of ice to the county's outdoor jails, saying inmates could have as much as they want and for any use — including to sit on.
***************************************************************************

Slightly cooler days ahead, storms possible

Updated today at 5:57 PM

PHOENIX – With temperatures close to 120 degrees, this is the hottest Fourth of July weekend in a decade.
The Phoenix metro area broke a record Saturday. The official high of 118 is fourth hottest day ever recorded at Sky Harbor International Airport. The previous record for July 2 -- 116 degrees – was set in 2001.
With the monsoonal moisture on the rise, storms began moving in from the east in the afternoon. High winds in North Phoenix took down eight power poles, knocking out power to about 1,500 Arizona Public Service customers.
There were some reports of scattered light showers throughout the East Valley, but no significant precipitation.
At 5 p.m., it was still 123 degrees in Avondale and 118 in Maricopa. The Phoenix temperature had dropped to 112.
An Excessive Heat Warning was in effect all day and was expected to remain in place through the overnight hours.
Plan on a high of 109 degrees on Sunday with a 20 percent chance of thunderstorms, especially in the evening. That chance of showers remains in the forecast for Monday, July 4. That increased moisture should help keep daytime highs a bit closer to the seasonal average.