PHOENIX – A brutal stretch of summer heat reached historic levels on Thursday as Phoenix smashed a daily temperature record that had stood since 1905. The mercury climbed to 113 degrees before noon at Sky Harbor International Airport, according to the National Weather Service, eclipsing the previous August 7 record of 112 degrees.
But the heat didn’t stop there. By 2 p.m., temperatures had soared to 117 degrees — tying the city’s highest August temperature ever recorded and coming just one degree shy of this year’s peak of 118 on July 9.
The heatwave has not only pushed daily highs to record-breaking territory, but overnight temperatures have also remained unusually high. Thursday’s low of 94 degrees marked the warmest minimum temperature ever recorded in Phoenix on this date, surpassing the prior record of 91 set in 2023.
This marks the third daily record broken in the last week, as Phoenix continues to endure one of its most intense stretches of heat this summer. Officials warn that conditions remain dangerous, especially for those outdoors.
An extreme heat watch remains in effect through 8 p.m. Friday. Highs are expected to hover between 111 and 113 degrees before dipping slightly over the weekend — though still above the seasonal average of 105.
“Even with a slight drop, we’re looking at temperatures that are well above normal,” said meteorologist Gabriel Lojero of the NWS in Phoenix. “People should continue to limit outdoor activity, drink water regularly, and seek shade whenever possible.”
In response to the extreme heat, trail closures are in place daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at some of the city’s most popular hiking spots:
Camelback Mountain: Echo Canyon and Cholla Trails
Phoenix Mountains Preserve: Piestewa Peak Summit Trail and nearby trails
South Mountain Park and Preserve: Holbert, Mormon, and Hau’Pal Loop Trails, along with access to the National Trail from Pima Canyon
Officials continue to urge residents to stay indoors during peak heat hours, check on vulnerable neighbors, and avoid strenuous activity during the hottest parts of the day.
