Phoenix Residents Face Deadly Asphalt Burn Risks Amid Extreme Heat Waves

As of October 2025, the city of Phoenix, Arizona continues to face the consequences of its exceptionally hot summers. Over the past few years, the region has experienced some of the highest temperatures on record, with peaks observed between June and October. In 2023 and 2024, these years ranked among the 10 warmest on record for Phoenix.

The extreme heat has had an unexpected and dangerous impact on local residents. Sidewalks and roads in the city have been measured to reach temperatures exceeding 130°F and 146°F, respectively. This means that even a brief contact with the scorching asphalt can result in severe, life-threatening burns. In 2024, the burn center at Valleywise Health reported 15 deaths believed to be related to this issue, a significant increase from the handful of cases they would typically treat before the temperatures started to rise. By 2023, the number of contact burn victims seeking treatment at the center had soared to 120.

The problem is exacerbated by the urban heat island effect, which causes Phoenix to be several degrees hotter than the surrounding areas due to less vegetation and more ground cover. This puts certain groups, such as senior residents and young children, at an even greater risk. Older adults and kids may be more prone to falls on the scorching hot surfaces, and the longer they remain in contact with the asphalt, the more severe their burns can become.

To protect themselves, Phoenix residents and visitors are advised to always wear closed-toe shoes, avoid walking barefoot, and be cautious when sitting or falling on paved surfaces. Parents should also be extra vigilant about playground equipment and sandboxes, which can reach dangerously high temperatures. As the city continues to grapple with the effects of climate change, the need for effective heat mitigation strategies has never been more urgent.