Heat Wave Incoming: Historic Temperatures in Arizona and the West

PHOENIX, AZ— Arizonans who were hoping for the usual spring weather around St. Patrick’s Day are instead getting an early taste of the summer heat. Much of the western United States is bracing for a surge of unusually high temperatures this week, with Phoenix expected to hit 105 degrees by this weekend. The climate crisis is fueling more frequent and intense heat waves, with the U.S. experiencing periods of abnormally hot weather at least three times more often than in the 1960s. Climate change made this heat wave five times more likely, signaling a significant climate change event. 

This week’s heat wave is a reminder that we need cheaper and reliable energy to ensure Arizonans can survive the heat and afford their utility bills. Investing in clean energy that can help lower costs and strengthen the grid would mitigate the worst of this. Instead, Trump and congressional Republicans’ attacks on clean energy have pushed electricity costs up by as much as 13% nationwide. Trump’s policies will continue to take energy off the grid, raising Arizonans’ household energy bills by more than $200 by 2035. As data centers increase energy demand, policies backed by Republicans like Rep. Juan Ciscomani (AZ-06), are taking much-needed homegrown clean energy options off the grid, sending utility bills through the roof. 

Climate Power Arizona Director Diali Avila issued the following statement: 

“Working families are already stretched thin, and extreme heat means higher electric bills just to keep the air conditioning on and Arizona families safe. Instead of lowering costs like he promised, Trump has spent the last year undermining clean energy and driving up utility costs while putting families at greater risk during dangerous heat.” 

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