Phoenix ties record for hottest temperature recorded in February

PHOENIX – We just tied the record, folks.

As of 2:58 p.m., Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport recorded a 92-degree temperature, which is a tie for the hottest temperature ever recorded in February.

We could break the record before the month is over.

While the last day of astronomical winter isn’t until March 20, climate scientists classify December through February as meteorological winter.

The current February and meteorological winter will likely go down as Phoenix’s warmest on record, Chris Kuhlman of the National Weather Service in Phoenix told KTAR News 92.3 FM on Friday morning.

“We are going to have a record warm February, and … January was like the fourth [warmest]. So it should end up being the warmest winter on the record,” Kuhlman said.

How hot will it get in Phoenix this weekend?

“We are expecting around 93 degrees today [Friday] and then topping out at 94 this weekend, both Saturday and Sunday,” Kuhlman said.

In fact, temperatures are expected to challenge daily records Friday through Monday before dipping into the mid-80s. The existing records are 92 for Friday, 89 for Saturday and Sunday and 90 for Monday.

Phoenix can be dangerous, even in winter

Kuhlman warned that Arizona’s desert heat can present health risks regardless of the season.

“Having daily records, even in the low 90s, can be dangerous if you’re not prepared to go outside, and especially if you’re doing some hiking in the middle of the day. We do not recommend that unless you are plenty hydrated and wearing proper clothing,” he said.

KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Colton Krolak and Kylie Werner contributed to this report.

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