News Summary
Phoenix has set a new record for the hottest August day, reaching 118 degrees on August 7. This followed a previous record of 115 degrees the day before. The heat has caused unprecedented energy demands on local utilities. Both the Salt River Project and Arizona Public Service reported record-high energy loads, leading to concerns about power availability and potential utility rate increases. The extreme temperatures are expected to continue, prompting health advisories for residents to prepare for ongoing heat conditions.
Phoenix Breaks Records with Hottest August Day
Phoenix has officially recorded its hottest August day in history, reaching a staggering 118 degrees on August 7, 2025. This temperature, measured at Sky Harbor International Airport, is a part of the National Weather Service’s tracking system and has surpassed the city’s previous record of 117 degrees set most recently in 2023.
The extreme heat did not occur in isolation; it followed a preliminary record on August 6 when Phoenix also reported a new high temperature of 115 degrees, which previously stood as the official benchmark for that date. The intense heat has been accompanied by significant demands on local utilities, leading to peak energy loads that have challenged the power supply in the region.
Utility Demand Peaks
On the record-setting day, the Salt River Project (SRP) reported an unprecedented peak energy load of 8,542 megawatts between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. This spike in demand followed another significant record just a day earlier, with 8,429 megawatts recorded on August 6, which itself eclipsed the previous high of 8,361 megawatts established on July 9.
Arizona Public Service (APS), the state’s largest power provider serving approximately 1.4 million customers across 11 counties, faced similarly high demands, peaking at 8,631 megawatts between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. on August 7, after it too had set a record on August 6 with a load of 8,534 megawatts. The power requirements indicate that one megawatt from APS can effectively power around 160 households.
In light of the continuous high temperatures, APS has announced plans for a potential 14% increase in electric rates, which could translate to an average residential bill increase of $20 per month if the adjustments are approved by the Arizona Corporation Commission.
Ongoing Heat Advisory
The extreme heat is not projected to let up anytime soon, with an ongoing heat warning extended through the weekend. The normal temperature for August 7 is typically around 105 degrees, making this year’s record even more alarming. Weather forecasts suggest that slightly cooler temperatures might occur on August 8, with highs projected around 112 degrees. However, overnight lows will remain uncomfortably warm at 88 degrees.
As meteorologist Mark O’Malley has indicated, the high temperatures are expected to persist in the Phoenix metropolitan area due to a strong area of high pressure. The situation is compounded by a lack of significant relief from monsoon showers, which are not anticipated to provide much respite in the face of the ongoing heat.
Conclusion
This record-setting heat and the resulting energy demands have elicited widespread concerns regarding power availability and increased utility costs for Phoenix residents. The ADOT encourages individuals to prepare for continued extreme weather conditions while staying informed of utility updates and safety recommendations.
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Additional Resources
- AZ Central
- Wikipedia: Heat Wave
- AZ Family
- Google Search: Phoenix hottest August day
- KTAR News
- Google Scholar: Phoenix weather records
- Phoenix New Times
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Temperature
- KTAR Daily Heat Record
- Google News: Arizona heat wave
- Fox Weather
Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
PHOENIX STAFF WRITER The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
