Not unusual to get such a hot spot. Its caused by the Unidentified magnifying object. Just like a magnifying glass. The U.M.O. is something in the atmosphere that focuses Sun light to a concentrated spot. Obviously, the exact object in the atmosphere causing this magnification has not been identified.

might be rising from the ashes?

We stayed with my father four years in Mesa so he would not have to leave his home. It was it sadness to lose him but we're so glad to be back in our home up in the AZ version of high country again.
We're not city people and 15 degrees makes a huge difference -- let alone 1040 degrees.

It's a dry heat.