When asked what the hottest cities in the country are, we usually hear Phoenix, Arizona and Las Vegas, Nevada. But not this past July. In a surprising turn of events, the small city of Needles, California, has taken the title of the hottest city in the United States. This July, Needles recorded an average temperature of 103.2 degrees, surpassing Phoenix’s previous record of 102.7 degrees.
Of course, we’re not talking about the hottest location in the country, but the most scorching city. The average high for any location in the U.S. for the month was 121.9 degrees at Furnace Creek in Death Valley.
This record-breaking heat is not just a statistic but a reality that the residents of Needles live with daily. The city, known for its extreme temperatures, has adapted in unique ways to cope with the scorching heat. From holding city events in the early morning to avoid the worst of the heat to operating a senior center that provides water and a cool place for people to gather, Needles has shown ingenuity, resilience and community spirit in the face of a hellish summer.
They have in fact, embraced it and made it a part of the town’s culture, with the City Council offering guests a basket of Red Hots candy with a sign that reads, “Needles is Red Hot.” The city has also invested in infrastructure improvements, including updating parks and beach cleanups, to enhance the quality of life for its residents and reduce the risk of wildfires, which have become more prevalent due to the intense heat.
Tourists and residents alike are drawn to Needles’ three beaches on the Colorado River, seeking respite from the heat. The city’s approach to dealing with the high temperatures is a testament to human adaptability and the importance of community in facing environmental challenges.
Needles is not alone in the category of sizzling cities. There are plenty of contenders for that title.
So, which cities turn into veritable ovens in July? Phoenix and Las Vegas, the two desert giants, are the perpetual runner ups when they don’t actually top the list. Denver, Colorado, with its mile-high elevation might not immediately come to mind when thinking about heat. However, Denver experiences consistently searing temperatures in July.
Moving away from the expected regions, Manchester, New Hampshire, has had its fair share of heatwaves. This July was particularly intense, setting records and reminding us that the heat isn’t confined to the Southwestern deserts.
Whether it’s the dry heat of the desert or the surprising warmth of a New Hampshire city, the heat is an inescapable part of summer.
If you can’t escape to a cool location, follow Needles’ example, embrace the heat but take all precautions: stay hydrated, seek shade, and limit outdoor activities during peak heat hours.
