PHOENIX (AZFamily) — Why does it get so hot in the Valley? For those who have lived year after year, you probably just accept it as a part of life.

But it’s not often that we discuss why the Valley is so much hotter than most of the United States. There is not just one reason, but here are a few reasons that contribute to the Valley’s sizzling summer heat.

Southern Location

Phoenix is further south than most metropolitan areas in the United States. Southern U.S. locations get more of the sun’s energy than northern areas, so generally, the south is warmer. Of course, this is not always true and temperatures can be affected by terrain, proximity to water, and overall weather patterns.

In fact, cities like Dallas, Houston, and Miami are all further south than Phoenix, so why are they not

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