Editor's note: This story was originally published Aug. 5, 2015, one year before the start of the Rio Games.
Would you want to jump a hurdle or sprint for the gold in triple-digit heat and humidity? The climate of Phoenix in August is reason enough to skip on suggesting that the city host the Olympics.
According to climate records, the average high temperature in Phoenix is either 104 or 105 degrees during the month of August. But let's be real here, when is Phoenix ever "average"?
Just look at how the first workweek of August panned out this year -- with afternoon temperatures hitting as high as 111 and excessive heat warnings taking grip.
In 2011, the thermometer shot up to 117 degrees on the 26th day of the month.
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With the mercury reaching that kind of territory, outdoor Olympic events would be canceled left and right, as they should be -- heat is dangerous. It's the top weather-related killer.
Don't forget about humidity. What it reads on the thermometer is one thing, how it feels is another. Even a hint of humidity can make things feel several degrees hotter.
August is also prime time for monsoon storms. On average, about an inch winds up in the rain gauge during this month, however, as much as 5.33 inches was recorded in 1951!
As you're well aware, monsoon storms can pop up at any time, anywhere and at their own free will. This makes any storm threats fair game whenever a storm bubbles up. We run the risk for not only excessive heat but also microbursts/straight-line winds, dust storms, lightning, flash flooding, hail and even tornadoes.
