Arizona governor appoints first heat adviser after record summer temps

Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs (D) has appointed an adviser to focus on heatwave issues after the state experienced record summer temperatures last year.

The Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) announced Wednesday that Dr. Eugene River has been named the country’s first statewide chief thermal officer.

Rivard’s new position is part of Hobbs’ extreme heat plan announced Friday, which will see state officials work to combat Arizona’s extreme heat in the immediate and long term.

“ADHS is proud to seize this moment and play a role in solving the complex issues facing Arizonans. In collaboration with Maren Mahoney, Director of Resilience in the Governor’s Office, We will handle this responsibility with due care,” the ADHS Cabinet Secretariat said.Jenny Kuniko said in a statement.

Livar will oversee the implementation of Hobbs’ plan and coordinate with state, county and local health departments, as well as the private sector and community-based organizations, according to a statement from ADHS.

Rivard said in a statement that he is excited to take on the role and help Arizona prepare for another warm summer.

The announcement comes after a summer of unprecedented heat around the world. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reported that 2023 was the warmest year on record.

Phoenix set a national heat record last July with an average temperature of 102.7 degrees, the hottest month of any U.S. city.

Last July, the average high temperature in Phoenix was 114.7 degrees and the average low temperature was 90.8 degrees. July 31st was the only day in July where the temperature didn’t reach 110 degrees.

The unusually high temperatures caused serious concern for residents of the state. According to the Associated PressIn Maricopa County, the state’s most populous county with a population of about 4.5 million people, more than 400 people died from heatstroke last summer.

Phoenix has its own heat management officer and office of heat management and resiliency, which is installing cooling stations and planting trees throughout the Valley, according to the Associated Press.

under Hobbes’ new plan, Livar and ADHS plan to build more cooling centers, including six solar-powered mobile cooling units and extreme weather shelters. Arizona Housing Authority provides funding to expand heat response efforts, including providing water, food, sunscreen and clothing to people experiencing homelessness in Tucson, Pima and Santa Cruz counties I plan to.

The Hill has reached out to Hobbs’ office for further comment.