Phoenix came close to hitting triple-digit temperatures on Tuesday, just falling short of the milestone. Meteorologists had anticipated that Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport could reach 100 degrees, which would have marked the earliest occurrence of such heat in the city’s history. However, the airport ultimately recorded a temperature of 99 degrees (37.2 Celsius) on Tuesday afternoon.
Typically, Phoenix doesn’t reach 100 degrees until May 11, as stated by the National Weather Service. “It’s unusual, but there’s no need for alarm,” said Alicia Ryan, a meteorologist with the weather service in Phoenix.
While temperatures are expected to drop on Wednesday and Thursday due to cloud cover, followed by another decrease over the weekend, the heat spike on Tuesday left many residents apprehensive about the upcoming summer.
Camille Ridley, seeking refuge from the rising temperature, found shade under a tree at the Arizona statehouse on Tuesday. “I’m a bit disheartened because we’re heading into our hottest months,” Ridley expressed. “After last year’s prolonged summer, it’s a bit nostalgic. But I know this too shall pass, as cooler weather is on the horizon.”
High school students Jose Mejia and Eric Galvan, having independent study days, chose to rendezvous at a park in central Phoenix for a walk. However, after just 10 minutes, they decided to retreat from the intense heat.
Galvan acknowledged the heat but was surprised by its severity. “Just a few days ago, the temperatures were relatively normal,” Galvan remarked. “It’s quite astonishing. I recall last year, it was around 80 degrees by this time. The temperatures keep rising.”
Last year’s heat was extreme, with a heatwave lasting until October and breaking an annual record with 70 days of temperatures reaching or surpassing 110 degrees Fahrenheit (43.3 Celsius).
Health officials in Maricopa County reported 602 heat-related deaths in 2024, with an additional eight cases under investigation for possible heat-related causes, according to a preliminary report. These numbers show a decrease in heat-related deaths for the first time since 2014 in a county with approximately 4.5 million residents.
