Phoenix consistently ranks among the hottest major metropolitan areas in the United States. The urban heat island effect amplifies regional temperatures, with nighttime lows often remaining above 90 degrees F during peak summer.

10-Year Temperature Trend

Implications for Development

• HVAC/Cooling: Plan for cooling capacity 40-60% above temperate-climate baselines
• Energy Costs: Summer electricity demand peaks significantly; consider on-site generation or storage
• Equipment Ratings: Ensure all outdoor equipment rated for 120 degrees F+ operation
• Worker Safety: OSHA heat illness prevention protocols required May-September
• Pavement/Surfaces: Specify heat-resistant materials to prevent degradation

Maricopa County has experienced persistent drought conditions as part of a broader megadrought affecting the American Southwest. Water availability is a critical long-term consideration for any facility with significant water requirements, including data centers using evaporative cooling.

U.S. Drought Monitor Classification

5-Year Drought History - Maricopa County

Water Resource Factors

• Lake Mead Levels: Currently at approximately 35% capacity, triggering federal shortage declarations
• Groundwater: Phoenix Active Management Area restricts new groundwater pumping for certain uses
• Reclaimed Water: Available for industrial cooling; requires separate infrastructure
• Long-term Outlook: Climate models project continued aridification through 2050

While the Phoenix urban core has low direct wildfire ignition risk, the surrounding Sonoran Desert and mountain areas experience regular fire activity. Smoke exposure, evacuation route impacts, and power infrastructure vulnerability are relevant considerations.

Historical Fire Activity - 50 Mile Radius

*Pipeline Fire located in Flagstaff area, within 50mi radius edge

Active Fire Detection Map (Conceptual)

Wildfire Considerations

• Air Quality: Smoke events can trigger unhealthy air quality days; HVAC filtration planning recommended
• Power Grid: Transmission lines from northern generation cross fire-prone terrain
• Fire Season: Peak activity April-June (pre-monsoon) and September-November (post-monsoon)
• Direct Risk: Urban Phoenix has low direct ignition risk; perimeter areas higher

Phoenix is located in a region of low seismic activity. Arizona does not sit on a major fault line, and significant earthquakes are rare. This represents a favorable risk factor compared to California or Pacific Northwest locations.

Seismic Events Within 100 Miles (2014-2024)

Showing 5 most significant events. Full dataset available in detailed report.

Phoenix experiences a distinct monsoon season from June through September, characterized by sudden, intense thunderstorms that can produce flash flooding, dust storms (haboobs), and damaging winds. Outside monsoon season, severe weather is minimal.

Alert Distribution by Type (2024)

Monsoon Season Considerations

• Flash Flooding: Desert terrain does not absorb water; drainage planning critical
• Dust Storms: Haboobs can reduce visibility to zero and deposit debris on equipment
• Lightning: Arizona has high lightning density during monsoon; surge protection essential
• Microbursts: Sudden downburst winds can exceed 100 mph in localized areas

Site Viability Assessment

Phoenix Metro Area is a viable but high-cost environment for data center and industrial facility development. The region offers low seismic risk, available land, and growing infrastructure - but extreme heat and water scarcity create operational cost premiums that must be factored into financial models.

Key Recommendations

Comparison Context

Compared to other major data center markets, Phoenix offers lower land costs and seismic risk than California, but higher operational costs than temperate locations like Ashburn, VA or Columbus, OH. The water situation is more constrained than most competing markets.