Sustainable Tempe

Be safe this week Tempe! Stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, seek shade, and stay out of the peak of the heat.

Visit www.tempe.gov/heatrelief for ways to stay safe and heat relief locations.

Extreme Heat Watches are in effect for several locations across the area Tuesday-Thursday. Temperatures will gradually warm this week and peak during the latter half of the week around 6-10° above normal. This will result in widespread Moderate HeatRisk and areas of Major HeatRisk.

🌞 Stay Connected and Safe This Heat Season! 🌞

As temperatures rise in 2026, it's more important than ever to check on your neighbors, especially older adults and those living alone. The elderly are less likely to sense and respond to extreme heat, and those living alone might not realize the risks until it's too late. In 2025, 59% of heat-related deaths in Maricopa County involved individuals 50 years or older.

Check in with your neighbors and watch for signs of heat-related illness like dizziness, confusion, or heavy sweating. Your small act of care could save a life.

🔥Learn more about resources available this heat season at The City of Tempe’s Heat Relief page (www.tempe.gov/heatrelief).

Residents interested in upgrading their sprinklers or purchasing a smart irrigation controller can apply for the High-Efficiency Irrigation Rebate and receive up to $500 towards watering components for a landscape. Visit tempe.gov/rebates for details.

Plug-in solar is gaining momentum across the country, with six states already passing laws to allow solar panels that plug directly into a standard wall outlet.

Join Solar United Neighbors (SUN) to learn how plug-in solar could expand access to clean energy in Arizona and what SUN is doing to make this option available for residents.

Register here: https://www.mobilize.us/solarunitedneighbors/event/893294/?emci=ccef8e77-0964-f111-8fcb-000d3a14b640&emdi=4fef942b-ba68-f111-8fcb-000d3a14b640&ceid=3808977

National Garden Week is June 7 through 13 this year. Celebrate by taking a walk through the Tempe Xeriscape Garden at Tempe Woman’s Club Park located at 1265 N. College Avenue. For more information visit tempe.gov/xeriscape

Reporting Illicit Discharges to Tempe’s 311

Illicit discharges (non-stormwater, such as oil, paint, or pool backwash) into Tempe storm drains are prohibited by law, as these systems flow directly to local washes and lakes without treatment. Residents and businesses should report illegal dumping or suspicious flow via Tempe 311, by calling 480-350-4311, or through the city website.

Funded by a $15 million statewide investment, Power AZ expands eligibility beyond the federal Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) income limits, making a critical resource even more accessible.

As an example, a family of four with an annual income of $108,000 may be eligible for assistance.

Funding is limited, so apply soon: https://atoz.az.gov/Arizona/s/energy-assistance-learn-more?language=en_US&utm_campaign=2398406&utm_medium=em&utm_source=zta&utm_content=26em094-083&utm_id=5878614838

Did you know some medications can increase your risk of heat illness?

💊Medications used to treat high blood pressure, allergies, heart conditions, and mental health concerns, as well as recreational drugs can make you more vulnerable to heat. These medications can interfere with how your body regulates temperature, heart rate, and sweating. This can make it harder for your body to cool down, especially during the summertime.

🩺If you or someone you care for takes medication, check with a doctor or pharmacist about possible heat-related side effects. This is especially important for older adults and people with chronic conditions.

Check out the University of Arizona's Heat and Medications Taskforce (www.scorch.arizona.edu/heat-and-medications-taskforce) for additional tools and resources.

Tempe Water Conservation offers a certification called the Certified Water Efficient Home to residents who invest in comprehensive water savings for their home. Visit tempe.gov/WaterWise to see if your home qualifies.