LUKEWARM:
Yuma’s all-time high of 124° ranks only 15th on list of state’s record hot temps
It’s no secret that Yuma often sees high temperatures.
However, when it comes to having the hottest temperature ever recorded in Arizona, Yuma doesn’t hold the crown — instead, the city is 15th on the list. The top honor goes to Lake Havasu City, which on June 29, 1994, hit 128 degrees. That is also the second hottest temperature recorded in the United States, second only to Death Valley, Calif., which hit 134 degrees on July 10, 1913.
According to meteorologist Paul Iniguez with the National Weather Service in Phoenix, Arizona’s hottest temperatures occurred between 1994 and 1995, with Yuma landing at 124 degrees on July 28, 1995. High temperatures throughout other parts of the state ranged from 124 to 125 degrees.
Iniguez said that some records go back to the late 19th century. Though Yuma is not the reigning king as far as the hottest temperature recorded in Arizona is concerned, Iniguez noted that it’s still high on the list, considering it ranks 15th.
While most who are familiar with Yuma know of its hot temperatures, it may not be as apparent as to why Yuma gets such a scorching heat. Iniguez explained that much of it has to do with elevation.
“Much of the Southwest obviously is hot,” he said. “Some of the subtleties come into elevation. The big difference, say, between Phoenix (and) Yuma is Yuma is about 1,000 feet lower in elevation. What that means is when you have high pressure, that sinking air — because air sinks — it compresses and it heats. Just like if you mash your hands together, you try to compress something and that friction is going to heat it up. The same thing happens with the air.
“So, the closer to sea level it is or below sea level, the more compression that can happen,” he added. “The more the air will heat up. Local topography also plays a role. Lake Havasu City has more of a canyon kind of area, so they can retain heat a little bit better there than some places a little bit more open like Yuma. Then you have places below sea level like Death Valley. That’s why they can be even hotter, even if they are little bit further north in latitude.”
Looking forward, Iniguez said the Southwest and Yuma can expect the tripledigit heat that came back this month to stick around for the summer. According to data collected by the NWS in Phoenix, Yuma has averaged just 9 days below 100 degrees during the period of June-August since 2000.
“We are getting into that time of year where there are
going to be very warm temperatures,” Iniguez said. “The climate is trending so strongly warmer over the recent decades that there is really no reason at all for us to see that stop any time soon. There is a high probability that it will be an above-average summer.”
The NWS in Phoenix warns that hot temperatures of 105 or above can increase potential for heatrelated illness. Those at risk include those working or being active outdoors during the daytime or those without access to adequate air conditioning.
NWS advises people to stay hydrated, to never leave pets or kids unattended in cars, and to avoid sugar, alcohol and caffeine. While outdoors, the agency suggests wearing light-colored clothing with a widebrimmed hat to kept the head and body cooler. Frequent rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned environments are also helpful.
The NWS web page shows that early symptoms of heat-related illness include headache, thirst and muscle cramps. The NWS lists serious symptoms as weakness, skin that is cool to the touch, fast but weak pulse, nausea and fainting.
Severe symptoms include hot and red dry skin, fast and strong pulse, sweating that has stopped, and unconsciousness. The NWS warns that untreated heat illness can lead to fatal heat stroke.
Locations open to the public with air conditioning include libraries, community centers, government buildings and special refuge stations.
As part of the Yuma Heat Relief program, Crossroads Mission, 944 S. Arizona Ave., also serves as a cooling site year-round. To learn more, call the mission at 928-783-9362.