{"id":86534,"date":"2023-08-30T10:46:37","date_gmt":"2023-08-30T17:46:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/?p=86534"},"modified":"2023-12-14T23:24:08","modified_gmt":"2023-12-15T07:24:08","slug":"natural-disasters-in-arizona","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/natural-disasters-in-arizona\/","title":{"rendered":"Natural Disasters in Arizona: What Homeowners and Renters Need to Know"},"content":{"rendered":"

Arizona is known for its dry, warm weather and scenic desert vistas. It has a <\/span>wide range of climate zones<\/span><\/a>, from dry desert basins, to tall, snowy highlands. This has made the state a very appealing place to live, especially during the spring and fall.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Weather is typically on the extreme end throughout the state, from hot summers in <\/span>Phoenix<\/span><\/a> to cold winters in <\/span>Flagstaff<\/span><\/a> and the nearby Grand Canyon. However, sometimes these extremes turn into natural disasters, ranging from extreme heat to flash floods. When these happen, it\u2019s essential to be prepared.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

So what are the most common natural disasters in Arizona, how are they changing, and what can you do to prepare if you live in the state? Whether you already <\/span>own a home in Scottsdale<\/span><\/a> or are looking at <\/span>apartments in Tucson<\/span><\/a>, read on for everything you need to know.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Pgiam via Getty Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

1. Arizona heat waves<\/span><\/h2>\n
Arizona cities most at risk of extreme heat<\/b><\/h5>\n
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  1. Yuma<\/b>: 100% of properties at risk<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. Phoenix<\/b>: 100% of properties at risk<\/span><\/li>\n
  3. Tucson<\/b>: 100% of properties at risk<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Hot, dry weather<\/a> is common throughout Arizona, especially in the Southern parts of the state, where most of the population lives. Summer temperatures often reach well over 100 degrees Fahrenheit in Phoenix, and in July 2023, temperatures were above 110 degrees for a record <\/span>31 straight days<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    According to First Street Foundation, nearly 53% (1.7 million) of homes in Arizona currently have an <\/span>Extreme Heat Factor<\/span><\/a>, meaning the average daily temperature is at least 104 degrees Fahrenheit for the hottest month of the year. This is expected to grow.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    Cities often feel the heat worse than other areas due to the <\/span>urban heat island<\/span><\/a> effect. Phoenix, for example, can be <\/span>10-15 degrees Fahrenheit warmer<\/span><\/a> in the evenings than nearby rural areas. The state government is taking an active role in mitigating this issue, such as <\/span>utilizing cooling technologies<\/span><\/a> and incorporating more native plants.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    How to prepare for heat waves in Arizona<\/span><\/h3>\n

    Heat waves<\/span><\/a> can be intense and last for days, so preparing is essential. Here are a few ways to <\/span>stay cool in extreme heat<\/span><\/a>:<\/span><\/p>\n