The National Weather Service (NWS) announced today that Phoenix has officially recorded its hottest summer since temperature records began in 1896. From June through August, the city experienced an unprecedented daily average temperature of 98.9 degrees Fahrenheit, surpassing the previous record of 97.0 degrees set in 2023.
August 2024 alone ranked as the third hottest month in Phoenix’s history, with an average daily temperature of 98.7 degrees. This summer’s extreme heat continued the upward trend of rising temperatures, with only August 2023 (98.8°F) and August 2020 (99.1°F) registering hotter averages.
The forecast for early September suggests that the extreme heat will persist. The high temperature on Labor Day is expected to reach 105 degrees, with even hotter days predicted mid-week, where temperatures could climb to 112 or 113 degrees. NWS meteorologist Mark O’Malley noted that such temperatures are typical for this time of year as Phoenix transitions from August into September.
Regarding precipitation, the NWS has indicated a slight 10% chance of rain in the Phoenix metro area on Sunday, with isolated storms potentially occurring between 6 and 10 p.m. However, the majority of the first week of September is expected to remain dry, with continued above-average heat.
In addition to Phoenix, Yuma also set a new record with a daily average temperature of 95.7 degrees from June through August, surpassing the previous record of 95.3 degrees set in 1994.
This summer’s record-breaking temperatures highlight the ongoing trend of extreme weather conditions in Arizona. The National Weather Service and local authorities continue to monitor conditions and advise residents to take necessary precautions as the heat persists.
