Early Heat Raises Concerns for Arizona’s Upcoming Heat Wave

We never really had a winter in Arizona this year.

I leave for work long before the sun comes up every day, and I usually have to scrape frost off my windshield for weeks on end during the depths of the season. This year, I performed this winter ritual exactly once.

We didn’t get our annual one or two days of snowfall, either. We had a day or two with a slight brush of snow showers, but it wasn’t very notable. Speaking of showers, we’ve been very light on the winter precipitation overall.

Spring officially starts in a few days, on March 20th this year, but it feels like spring has been here much longer.

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Why Is Arizona Already Facing Triple-Digit Heat This Spring?

Arizona is no stranger to heat, but this spring’s temperatures have left us feeling pretty uneasy. I’ve been enjoying flip-flop weather, but I know this early warming is going to take its toll.

We didn’t get much winter, but it looks like we’re not going to have much spring weather, either. Forecasts from the National Weather Service show Phoenix could hit 103°F to 109°F as early as next week. This is well before the typical onset of Arizona’s extreme heat season.

The National Weather Service has already issued an Extreme Heat Watch, an alert we usually don’t see until much later in the year.

If you think the early heat spike feels ominous, you’re not alone. It’s a precursor for what’s coming, according to experts. Agencies like the Arizona Department of Health and Human Services (AZDHS) have warned that extreme heat is becoming an increasing threat in Arizona, and the season is lasting longer each year.

READ: Wildfires and Excessive Heat Could be Arizona's Summer Theme

What Does Early Extreme Heat Mean for Cooling Centers?

In Phoenix, according to Hoodline, cooling centers and heat‑relief sites don’t usually open until May 1. This year, experts worry that this will leave a dangerous gap for thousands of people who rely on them to stay safe out of the brutal heat.

Last summer, Phoenix’s expanded heat‑relief network saw over 28,000 visits, which helped reduce heat-related deaths across the city. Cooling centers and other resources aren’t yet available. That means people living outdoors could be exposed to life‑threatening conditions.

READ: Xeriscaping and Water Harvesting to Save Water in Arizona

Have You Received Extreme Heat Warnings?

You may already be getting extreme heat warnings on your mobile device, and you’ll probably get many more as we move into the real heat of summer.

The message is clear: the heat is arriving faster, staying longer, and demanding that we adapt quickly. Do what you can to prepare now, before the truly brutal heat arrives.