News Summary
Phoenix is experiencing unprecedented heat levels, with temperatures reaching 118°F, surpassing long-standing records. The National Weather Service issued an extreme heat warning for the area, prompting the closure of hiking trails during the hottest hours and highlighting heat respite centers available for residents. Sadly, heat-related deaths have been reported, raising concerns for vulnerable populations. The heated conditions are not isolated to Phoenix, as many parts of Arizona face similar high temperatures. Meteorologists forecast continued extreme temperatures and potential monsoon activity in the coming days.
Phoenix experienced its hottest day of the year on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, with temperatures soaring to 118 degrees Fahrenheit at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. This record-breaking heat surpassed the previous daily record of 116 degrees, which was set in 1958 and matched in 2024. The normal high temperature for this time of year in Phoenix is around 107 degrees.
As a result of this extreme heat, the National Weather Service (NWS) has issued an extreme heat warning for metro Phoenix, which will remain in effect until 8 PM on Thursday, July 10. The NWS issues such warnings to alert the public when dangerously hot conditions are present or anticipated, prompting residents to take appropriate precautions.
To address the dangers posed by the high temperatures, certain hiking trails across Phoenix are temporarily closed from 8 AM to 5 PM on days when an extreme heat warning is in effect. This precaution is intended to ensure the safety of outdoor enthusiasts and prevent heat-related incidents.
Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego has highlighted the availability of cooling and heat respite centers throughout the city, indicating that residents can locate these centers online or by calling the assistance number 211. These facilities offer a safe refuge from the intense heat, providing necessary hydration and relief.
Health officials in Maricopa County have confirmed six heat-related deaths thus far in 2025, with an alarming 225 additional cases currently under investigation. These statistics underscore the serious health risks associated with extreme heat, particularly among vulnerable populations.
The extreme temperatures are not limited to Phoenix; other regions in Arizona are experiencing similarly high conditions. Cities such as Sedona, Flagstaff, and Prescott are also reporting temperatures approaching record highs, contributing to an overall trend of rising heat across the state.
A strong high-pressure system is responsible for the ongoing heatwave, effectively blocking storm activity and hindering cooling rainfall from reaching the valleys. Temperatures in Phoenix are projected to remain uncomfortably high overnight, with lows not anticipated to drop below 90 degrees.
Looking ahead, meteorologists forecast that temperatures will remain in the range of 114 to 118 degrees across metro Phoenix on Thursday, July 10. Following this, a slight decline in temperature is expected, with a drop to around 110 degrees by Friday. The temperatures are predicted to remain stable through the weekend.
In terms of precipitation, there are indications of isolated thunderstorms and limited monsoon moisture for areas in Eastern Arizona, with hopes for more robust storm activity returning in the early days of next week. The official start of Arizona’s monsoon season began on June 15, 2025, yet the Phoenix area has yet to experience substantial rainfall.
Earlier signs of monsoon activity were noted last week when Phoenix Sky Harbor received 0.16 inches of rain on July 2. Despite this occurrence, climatologists remind us that the atmosphere does not always align neatly with the official start date of the monsoon, as significant moisture buildup for monsoon storms typically develops gradually over time.
Traditionally, climatologists indicate that three consecutive days of consistent dew point temperatures of 55 degrees or higher are needed to signify the arrival of the monsoon. The recent Climate Prediction Center report suggests a likelihood of average to above-average precipitation for July, offering hope for relief from the ongoing heat conditions.
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Additional Resources
- KTAR: Daily Heat Record in Phoenix
- AZCentral: Monsoon Season Arrives in Phoenix
- AZ Family: Hottest Day of the Year in Phoenix
- ABC15: Passengers at Phoenix Sky Harbor without AC
- AZCentral: 122 Degrees Heat Record in Phoenix
- Wikipedia: Phoenix, Arizona
- Google Search: Arizona weather
- Google Scholar: Extreme heat Arizona
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Arizona
- Google News: Arizona heatwave
