Phoenix sets record heat for day at 118 degrees (BLOG)

PHOENIX (AP) — About 4,000 homes in the metropolitan Phoenix area are without power — and air-conditioning — on a record-shattering day of heat in one of the nation's hottest cities.

Phoenix hit a high temperature of 118 degrees on Saturday, topping a 10-year-old record of 116 degrees for the date.

The National Weather Service say clouds from monsoon activity likely kept the area from reaching 120 degrees, but they say it's still the city's hottest day so far this year.

The monsoon brought wind gusts that toppled power lines and knocked out electricity to homes in Phoenix suburbs.

Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio ordered thousands of bags of ice to the county's outdoor jails, saying inmates could have as much as they want and for any use — including to sit on.