An agreement has finally been signed, linking weather information from a radar site in rural Arizona to weather forecasters to better detect dust storms forming in a critical area.
Maricopa County, Arizona, officials report that 23 people have died from heat-related problems so far this summer, while 322 other deaths are under investigation.
Authorities in Western states are warning of the rising risk of wildfires as hot conditions and low humidity dry out the landscape amid a protracted heat wave
Liberty Utilities, which provides water to areas in Avondale, Glendale, Goodyear, and Litchfield Park, says a low water supply is to blame for the call to lower water use.
By TY O'NEIL, CLAIRE RUSH and ANITA SNOW Associated Press
Hundreds of Europeans touring the American West and adventurers from around the U.S. are still being drawn to Death Valley National Park, even though the desolate region known as one of the Earth’s hottest places is being punished by a dangerous heat wave.
Temperatures continue to soar across Arizona. In the Valley, Sky Harbor Airport reached 118 degrees by 3 p.m., breaking the record daily high of 116º that was set in 1983.
From the mid-Atlantic to Maine, across the Great Lakes region, and throughout the West to California, public officials cautioned residents about the dangers of excessive heat and humidity.
Dust picked up from decaying thunderstorms in New Mexico, causing a hazy first day of summer around the Phoenix metro and central and southern Arizona.
From June 1 through June 6 this year, the average temperature in Phoenix is tied for the 5th hottest stretch for those dates in records that go back to 1896.
