Saguaros are collapsing due to the extreme heat in Arizona, with no relief in sight

As Phoenix continues to break temperatures and approaches a month of 110+ degree temperatures, when will hellish summer end?

Jul 28, 2023

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APACHE JUNCTION, ARIZONA - OCTOBER 08: A fallen saguaro cactus decays in the Sonoran Desert on October 8, 2022 near Apache Junction, Arizona. The saguaro is the largest cactus in the nation and an iconic symbol of the American Southwest. The cacti are threatened by a number of issues linked to climate change including an increased risk of wildfires kindled by invasive grasses. Scientists monitoring Arizona’s Saguaro National Park have observed a heightened mortality rate in young saguaros amid increased temperatures, inconsistent monsoon rains and long-term drought. The giant cactus is a unique keystone species to the Sonoran Desert with saguaros living as long as 150-200 years and reaching heights of over 50 feet. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images) — Mario Tama/Getty Images

Our majestic Saguaro Cacti, the namesake of two national parks on the east and west side of Tucson, are reaching their limits of heat toleration, especially in Phoenix where it has been hotter than in the higher elevation of Tucson, AZ.

In Phoenix, they have had a record-breaking four weeks of 110+ degree temperature, with lows in …

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