heat wave arizona
© Ross D. Franklin/Associated Press A local temperature sign reads 120-degrees as temperatures climb to near-record highs Tuesday, June 20, 2017, in Phoenix. The National Weather Service forecasts a high of 120 degrees (49 degrees Celsius), which is has only hit three times in recorded history in Phoenix, the last time 22 years ago.
Arizona is no stranger to heat waves. But even by natives' own high standards, the past week has been scorching.

The Guinness World Record for hottest temperature ever recorded is 134 degrees Fahrenheit. In Phoenix and Tempe, Arizona, it's touched 119 degrees and just barely gone below 90 at any point over the past week, according to the National Weather Service.


It's been so hot that regional flights in Phoenix have been canceled, because some planes cannot be operated in the excessive heat, according to the Washington Post.
heat wave arizona flights cancelled
© Ross D. Franklin AP
At Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, departure signs show regional jet cancellations and American Airlines says seven regional flights have been delayed and 43 have been canceled because of a heat wave as temperatures climb to near-record highs Tuesday, June 20, 2017, in Phoenix.
And according to social media users, the heat has made some strange things happen on the ground, including melting mailboxes, actual cookies baked in a car and drivers busting out oven mitts just to grab the steering wheel.



Officials are saying the recent hot weather in California is a wake up call for the heat ahead. The National Weather Service now has a tool that can help understand the Heat Risk to better be prepared and safe during outdoor activities this summer.