JOHN YANG: Another change in the climate causing some anxiety this summer, the heat, particularly in the southwest.

Phoenix has been hotter longer than any other big U.S. city, a record 30-straight days of highs above 110.

It's had a lot of us and the rest of the country asking how does anybody live in that heat?

Well, listen to some of those sweltering in Phoenix, including some of our colleagues at NewsHour West which is based there.

A Galapagos tortoise, a rhinoceros, and Eagle Owl.

The unrelenting sun high above Phoenix seems to be taking its toll on all living things.

It's proving even too much for the iconic towering cacti designed by nature for the desert heat.

And then there's the human toll.

In just the first three weeks of the month, Maricopa County, which includes Phoenix, reported 17 confirmed heat related deaths, more than 200 were under investigation.

Among the most vulnerable are those without housing.

CRISTINA HILL, Maricopa County Resident: I cry all the time I like yell at the heat.

Go away.

JOHN YANG: Charitable groups like the Salvation Army do what they can.

SCOTT JOHNSON, Salvation Army, Southwest Division: It's an ice cold water, a hat, some sunscreen, anything like that is a lifeline for people in need that are living here out in these conditions.

JOHN YANG: Parked air conditioned city buses are pressed into service as makeshift cooling and hydration centers.

Even those with homes that are air conditioned feel the heat.

Justin Stabley as a news our digital editor.

JUSTIN STABLEY: The condo where me and my wife live was built in the 1960s.

Right now the indoor temperature is around 79 to 80 degrees, but it can get up to 82 on some days even with the air conditioner running.

We have to think carefully about turning on our oven or too many electronics or else that temperature could spike.

STEPHANIE SY: Here are the latest headlines.

JOHN YANG: NewsHour correspondent Stephanie Sy.

STEPHANIE SY: It is after nine o'clock on a Saturday night and it is still 105 degrees.

My air conditioning unit went out about three hours ago.

Nobody's called me back.

So this is life.

PHILIP MARAVILLA: I had to take this ride slow today.

JOHN YANG: Senior producer Philip Maravilla is an avid cyclist.

He takes extra precautions for his rides, which are now part of his early morning routine.

PHILIP MARAVILLA: This heat is no joke.

I take it seriously.

I drink a lot of water.

I'll estimate that I'll have drunk anywhere from a quarter to maybe even a half gallon of water before I begin my ride.

ARIANA ARAIZA, Intern: We are going to see some really warm temperatures.

JOHN YANG: As the weather anchor or College Station NewsHour intern Ariana Araiza is accustomed to talking about the heat, but being in it, not so much.

ARIANA ARAIZA: I have lived in Phoenix my entire life and I have not gotten used to the heat and I don't think I will ever get used to this heat.

I think you just learn when to go to the grocery stores one or the other store, take your dog on a walk.

And if not, then you want to make sure you stay hydrated.

Stay inside.

JOHN YANG: Good advice for much of the country this summer, even where the highs are only in the mere double digits.