Although spring officially began just days ago, Arizona is already experiencing summer-like heat. On Tuesday, Phoenix recorded a scorching 99 degrees, up from Monday’s 96 degrees. Had the temperature risen by just one more degree, it would have set a new record for the earliest 100-degree day in the city’s history.
The current record for the earliest triple-digit temperature in Phoenix was set on March 26, 1988. Typically, the city reaches 100 degrees for the first time around May 2. This year’s 99-degree reading on March 25 broke the previous same-day record of 96 degrees, which was set in 2022.
According to 12News meteorologist Chris Dunn, Phoenix has seen a steady increase in record-high temperatures since 2021. In 2023 alone, the city set or tied 29 heat records. Meanwhile, no cold records have been broken or tied in recent years. Since 2017, Phoenix has recorded 149 heat records, averaging about 18 per year. “It’s a clear sign of our changing and warming climate,” Dunn noted.
March’s unseasonably high temperatures have been particularly striking. Alicia Ryan, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Phoenix, pointed out that just two weeks ago, the region was experiencing consecutive cold and wet weather systems. “We didn’t really get a proper transition period for people to acclimate,” she told the *New York Times*.
Fortunately, relief is on the horizon. Starting Friday, temperatures are expected to return to the seasonal norm, with highs in the low to mid-80s.
If the rising temperatures in Phoenix are any indication, extreme heat events may become more frequent and prolonged in the coming years. Meteorologists and climate experts warn that such early-season heat waves can have serious consequences, particularly for vulnerable populations, infrastructure, and water resources.
The persistent warming trend is not unique to Phoenix. Across the southwestern United States, cities have reported unusually high temperatures earlier in the year. Scientists attribute this pattern to climate change, which has intensified heat waves and reduced the transition periods between seasons.
Health officials urge residents to take precautions, especially as extreme temperatures arrive sooner than expected. “People may not be fully prepared for the heat this early in the year,” said Ryan. “Hydration, shade, and limiting outdoor activities during peak heat hours remain crucial.”
Phoenix, already infamous for its scorching summers, has been implementing measures to combat extreme heat. City officials have expanded cooling centers, introduced tree-planting initiatives to increase urban shade, and advised residents on heat safety protocols. However, the ongoing rise in temperatures suggests that adaptation strategies will need to be further strengthened.
Despite the looming challenges, the upcoming cooldown offers some temporary relief. However, with summer approaching, the question remains: Will Phoenix see another record-breaking heatwave in the months ahead?
