The scorching days of summer are in full swing, forcing countless Americans indoors to seek refuge in front of their air conditioners while daydreaming about the cooler months ahead. Arizona, known for its intense heat, especially in its capital city of Phoenix, is often considered the hottest city in the country due to its blistering desert temperatures. However, this summer, a small town a few hours away has managed to outshine Phoenix in terms of extreme heat.
Located on the border with Arizona in the desert southeast of Mojave National Preserve, the town of Needles, California, has experienced unprecedented temperatures. According to the Arizona State Climate Office, Needles had an average daily temperature of 103.2 degrees in July, surpassing Phoenix’s highest average temperature of 102.7 degrees from last July. Consequently, this town of just over 5,000 residents claimed the title of the hottest inhabited place in the country last month.
“Phoenix is happy to surrender the record to Needles, now the hottest monthly U.S. city with 103.2 degrees Fahrenheit (preliminary average July temperature),” the agency humorously remarked on social media. But it appears that Needles wasn’t the only California city to make the list.
“Arizona welcomes a few new members to the 100-degree-plus monthly temperature club: Palm Springs (100.0 degrees Fahrenheit) and Blythe (100.7 degrees Fahrenheit). Welcome?” the post continued. “This is the second time that Phoenix has experienced a monthly temperature of 100-degrees-plus (101.1 degrees this July, compared to 102.7 degrees last year, the previous record).”
Phoenix is happy to relinquish the record to Needles, now the hottest monthly U.S. city with 103.2°F (preliminary avg July temp). Arizona welcomes a few new members to the 100°F+ monthly temp club: Palm Springs (100.0°F) and Blythe (100.7°F). Welcome? This is the 2nd time… pic.twitter.com/0IxUByqtWk
— AZ State Climate (@AZStateClimate) August 1, 2024
Mayor Jan Jernigan of Needles wasn’t surprised that her town claimed the top spot in terms of extreme heat. “We probably did [beat the record], quite easily,” she shared with The Los Angeles Times.
In response to the oppressive temperatures, the town has begun organizing city events in the early morning hours to escape the heat. For instance, a recent food distribution event on Aug. 1 commenced at 5 a.m. and concluded by 8 a.m., allowing residents to engage in activities before the day’s heat became unbearable.
Fortunately, residents of Needles have other ways to stay cool without solely relying on their air conditioners. Situated on the Colorado River, the city boasts three beaches that are open to the public, providing opportunities for a refreshing freshwater swim in the midst of the desert. Nevertheless, the relief provided by these beaches may not be sufficient.
“You’ve [got to] be waist-deep in the Colorado River,” remarked city manager Patrick Martinez.
If you happen to be traveling along Route 66 this summer, consider making a stop in Needles to sample some commemorative “red hot” candies.
Conclusion
Despite Arizona’s reputation for scorching temperatures in the summer, Needles, California, managed to surpass Phoenix last month as the hottest inhabited place in the country. With an average daily temperature of 103.2 degrees in July, residents in Needles resorted to early morning city events and freshwater swims in the Colorado River to beat the heat. As extreme temperatures continue to impact various regions, it is essential for communities to adapt and find innovative ways to cope with the summer heat.
FAQs
1. What caused Needles, California, to become the hottest inhabited place in the country last month?
Needles, California, experienced record-breaking temperatures with an average daily temperature of 103.2 degrees in July, surpassing Phoenix’s highest average temperature from last year. This extreme heat can be attributed to a combination of geographical location and weather patterns.
2. How did the town of Needles respond to the oppressive temperatures?
The town of Needles organized early morning city events to allow residents to engage in activities before the day’s heat became unbearable. In addition, Needles’ proximity to the Colorado River enabled residents to cool off with swims in the freshwater as a way to escape the relentless heat.
3. Are there any other California cities that experienced extreme heat last month?
Yes, Palm Springs and Blythe in California also joined Needles in the 100-degree-plus monthly temperature club. These cities, along with Needles and Phoenix, faced exceptionally high temperatures during the summer months.
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