The 2024 heat season has arrived and Phoenix is prepared to keep as many people as possible safe, comfortable, and healthy during the long stretch of dangerous temperatures.
What’s new in 2024?
Respite Centers and Extended Cooling Center Hours
The City of Phoenix is expanding public heat relief options this year. For the first time, Phoenix offers two heat respite centers that will be accessible overnight. Now through Oct. 7, Burton Barr Central Library
will operate as a 24-hour respite center. Additionally, the Senior Opportunities West Senior Center at 7
th
Ave. and Buckeye will offer overnight respite hours daily from 6 p.m.-5 a.m. through Sept. 30.
Other cooling centers also have extended hours in 2024. Yucca, Cholla, and Harmon Libraries will now stay open as cooling centers Mondays thru Saturdays until 10 p.m. On Sundays, these three locations will open as cooling centers from noon to 10 p.m. through Sept. 30. All other Phoenix Public Libraries now serve as cooling centers during their regular business hours.
To find any of the 95+ cooling centers now open in Phoenix, along with hydration stations where free bottled water is available, check the Heat Relief Network’s
countywide
map
.
Longer Trail Closures
Three popular City of Phoenix
hiking trails will close
during extremely hot days in 2024. On days when the National Weather Service issues an Excessive Heat Warning, Camelback Mountain's Echo and Cholla Trails and all trails associated with Piestewa Peak Trailhead in the Phoenix Mountains Preserve will now close beginning at 9 a.m. through 5 p.m. During Excessive Heat Warnings, trail access is limited, parking lot gates will be closed, and signage will be posted.
Heat Ordinance For Contracted City Workers
A heat mitigation ordinance that protects workers contracted by the City of Phoenix is now in effect. It applies to all non-governmental contracts, licenses, and leases held by the City that involve work in an outdoor environment. Under the new ordinance now in effect, all contractors are required to have a written heat safety plan on file that addresses criteria such as drinking water, breaks, and access to shaded areas or air conditioning.
Heat Safety and Awareness
Heat Awareness Week is May 6-10 and it’s a good time to reacquaint yourself with potentially life-saving heat safety tips.
Keep an Eye on the Weather
The National Weather Service issues heat watches and warnings (@NWSPhoenix on social media). During these times, it is recommended to remain indoors whenever possible. Even when an excessive heat warning is not in effect, the summer weather can still be dangerous. If you must be outdoors, it is recommended that you do it either before 9 a.m. or after 6 p.m.
Stay Hydrated
Don’t forget to drink plenty of water
before
any vigorous or outdoor activity. Make sure to take frequent breaks and drink water regularly throughout the day, even when you are not thirsty. The CDC recommends that people working outdoors drink eight ounces of water every 15-20 minutes. Avoid sugary drinks, alcohol, and caffeine. Know the signs of
heat exhaustion and heat stroke
.
Protect your Skin
Always apply sunscreen to exposed skin. The CDC recommends a minimum of SPF 15. Reapply at least every two hours while in sunlight. Light-colored clothing and wide-brimmed hats can also help protect your skin and keep your body temperature down.
Take a Hike
.
Do It Right
No hike should happen during the hottest part of the day. Even at night, summer hikes in Phoenix can be extremely hot and dangerous. Always carry a cell phone, hike with a partner, and stay on the trails.
Landlord Cooling Ordinance
Did you know there is a City ordinance that requires landlords to provide reasonable cooling to rental housing units? Phoenix landlords are required to maintain housing units at 82 degrees Fahrenheit or cooler for units with air conditioning, and 86 degrees Fahrenheit or cooler for evaporative coolers. To learn more about your rights or report a violation call 602-262-7210.
Other resources
Phoenix has 16
city pools
that will be open all summer and two pools that will be open for a limited time in June and July. Find the one closest to you for swimming lessons or just a place to cool off.
Make sure to follow the City's Summer Safety Campaign (#PHXSummer) on all our social media platforms for more information during Heat Awareness Week and throughout the Summer.
Facebook:
City of Phoenix, AZ USA
Heat Ready PHX
City of Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department
X (formerly Twitter):
@CityofPhoenixAZ
@HeatReadyPHX
@PhoenixParks
Instagram
@cityofphoenixaz
@heatreadyphx
@phxparks
