Phoenix Unveils 2025 Heat Response Plan to Combat Extreme Heat

Phoenix is implementing a new Heat Response Plan for 2025 in response to rising temperatures, with the city recording a high of 99 degrees on March 25, the hottest ever for that date. The plan includes relocating the main Heat Respite Center to a more accessible site to better serve the homeless population and extending the hours of cooling centers. City officials aim to reduce heat-related deaths, which numbered 602 in 2024, through enhanced cooling resources and initiatives. The Phoenix Fire Department has reported a 20% decrease in 9-1-1 calls for heat emergencies, attributing this to improved response measures and the previous year's respite center. Ongoing efforts include providing cooling bags filled with ice for immediate relief during emergencies. The finalization of the Heat Response Plan is expected in the coming weeks, with implementation starting May 1.