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Today the forecast high temperature in Phoenix is 118. Crazy, no? I am happy that I left there years ago. The linked article mentions the all time high temp on Phoenix on June 26, 1990 – 122 degrees. I was there, it was ugly hot. I remember leaving work and thinking that it was even hotter than usual. Then I got home and heard on the news that it was so hot the airport had to shut down as planes were not certified to take off or land in that heat (for nongeeks, the higher the temperature the thinner the air which reduces aerodynamic lift).
In Prescott, Az at 5500 feet of elevation it’s a balmy 103 … they predict 109, which is very hot for us. So far the high-tech evaporative cooler we bought last year is keeping it comfortable in the house.
Dagny's Desk 
Gordy Weigle said:
Hi Dagny,
Those of us who have privately owned planes are well aware of the affects of high temperatures on performance.
However, few folks are aware that high temps have very little affect on aerodynamic performance. Reduced engine power is by far the biggest factor. High temps reduce oxygen intake due to air expansion – thus reducing power.
Julia said:
These high temps are seriously dangerous for all lot of people I sure hope no one dies from this heat. Maybe with this blast of heat the monsoons will come and cool things off!
Gordy Weigle said:
I was up at Flagstaff last weekend for their “Made in the Shade” strong beer festivle (an icedible event if you’re into drinking quality beers).
I’m not a heavy drinker, but at age 71 the high altitude is apparent, whether drinking idrinking or not.
drinking or not. For beginners, Flag sits at about 7,000 elevation. On a hot day (such as like last weekend), add atleast 2,000 feet to the elevation your body (your lungs) actually feels. Now you’re at 9,000 feet. If you smoke cigaretts, add an additional 2,000 feet (since your lungs are messed up). Now you’re at 11,000 feet – any wonder you feel whoozy? Think about it – I do, and I don’t smoke.
Dagny Gromer said:
Yes, altitude affects physiology like it effects internal combustion engines. There’s less oxygen by weight for a given volume of air.
Gordy Weigle said:
Also entering into the physiology “equation” is the effect of reduced air pressure as altitude increase – resulting in slower absorbsion of oxygen into the bloodstream via lung tissue.