Phoenix breaks 86-year record temperature, rises to 118 degrees

PHOENIX — The temperature in Phoenix reached 118 degrees Thursday, besting the previous record daily high temperature set earlier in the day, according to the National Weather Service.

The new record temperature was recorded at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport at 4:02 p.m.

At 2:26 p.m., the weather service reported the temperature had reached 116 degrees.

Before Thursday, the record daily high temperature was 115 degrees — recorded in 1934.

Thursday also marked the first time the temperature had reached 118 degrees at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport since July 7, 2017, according to NWS.

Forecasters added that temperatures of 118 degrees have been measured at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport on 12 other occasions, and also signifies the sixth-warmest day on record for the city.

Thursday’s record high temperature came amid an excessive heat warning issued Tuesday.

The warning took effect 10 a.m. Wednesday and will remain in place until 8 p.m. Monday.

The scorching heat is predicted to reach into next week, too, when it likely will be 110 degrees or more each day, according to the weather service.

An Excessive Heat Warning is in effect for the #Phoenix area Wed-Sat, and #Yuma , #ElCentro and almost everywhere else in between on Thu-Sat.

We may see some new daily high temp records this week! #azwx #cawx pic.twitter.com/NsrepA7Fyc

— NWS Phoenix (@NWSPhoenix) July 28, 2020

Temperatures have hit 110 degrees or more 26 days this year. The record is 33 days.

Nighttime lows have been at least 90 degrees 14 times this year, creeping toward the all-time mark of 15, reached in 2003 and 2013.

Maricopa County’s website lists basic tips for staying well in extreme heat, including drinking plenty of water and avoiding drinking large amounts of caffeinated and/or sugary fluids.

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