Phoenix isn’t just hot because it’s in the desert… it’s hot because of what we’ve built on top of it. 🥵 Scientists call it the urban heat island effect. Roads, parking lots, rooftops, and buildings absorb sunlight all day, then slowly release that heat back into the air long after sunset. According to weather and climate data, parts of central Phoenix can run 5–10 degrees hotter than nearby desert areas, especially during summer nights. Why? • Asphalt and concrete absorb and store heat for hours. • Buildings trap warm air at street level. • Less tree cover means less natural cooling. • Air conditioners push additional heat back outside. It’s one of the reasons why it can still feel close to 100° at 10 or 11 PM even after the sun goes down. As the Valley continues to grow, so does the amount of pavement and development—making that heat island effect even stronger in some neighborhoods. Have you ever noticed certain parts of Phoenix feel way hotter than others after dark? 👀 Via...