The number of older Americans like the Coxes who are exposed to extreme heat is increasing, the result of an aging population, continuing migration to heat-prone places and climate change.
Phoenix, long a retirement destination, has averaged 108 days a year of 100-plus degree temperatures since 1970.
But this year has been brutal: By July 31, Phoenix had already reached 68 days this year with temperatures over 100 degrees.
Temperatures hit at least 110 degrees Fahrenheit for 31 straight days, from the last day of June to the end of July, setting a record.
Summer in the Phoenix suburbs has been “miserable,” Ms. Cox said, on a midmorning when the temperature in Goodyear had already reached 106.
Persons:
Cox, Cox’s, ”, Deborah Carr, Phoenix, Ms, “, haven’t
Organizations:
Boston University, Goodyear
Locations:
Goodyear, Phoenix