PHOENIX — Phoenix broke a daily heat record on Thursday.

The mercury hit 115 degrees at about 1:30 p.m. and had climbed to 118 around two hours later, according to the National Weather Service.

The previous record of 114 degrees was set in 2015.

At 1:27 pm MST, it's now official that Phoenix has set a new record high for the day at 115°F breaking the previous record of 114°F last experienced in 2015. This is now the 3rd consecutive day Phoenix has tied or set a daily record high. #azwx pic.twitter.com/gS2m5dAGLY

— NWS Phoenix (@NWSPhoenix) June 17, 2021

An excessive heat warning is in effect until 8 p.m. on Sunday as hot temperatures are expected to stick around in the Valley into the weekend.

Phoenix tied daily heat records each of the past two days by topping out at 115 degrees.

The temperature is expected to be 116 degrees on Friday before going down slightly to 114 degrees on Saturday and 112 degrees on Sunday.

Thursday marks the third time this year a new daily heat record has been set, with records being broken on consecutive days in April.

Phoenix broke 18 daily heat records last year, and tied it another 15 times.

Last summer was the hottest on record, setting marks for the most 95-degree days (172), 100-degree days (145), 105-degree days (102), 110-degree days (53) and 115-degree days (14) in a year while also recording the hottest July and August in history

During periods of extreme heat, experts advise people to stay hydrated, limit the amount of time outside, try to stay inside air-conditioned buildings and remember to check on elderly family members and neighbors.

People are also advised to watch for warning signs of heat-related illnesses, which can include heavy sweating, muscle cramps, weakness, headache and nausea.

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