Why Is It So Hot in Arizona This Year?

I love checking the Weather Channel, especially in the summer. The meteorologists provide granular detail across the U.S., but when they get to Arizona, they only show the temperature in Phoenix.

I get questions all the time from family and friends who think it's regularly 114 degrees across the entire state. I mean, it's really dramatic, so honestly, there are times I don't correct them.

Why It's So Hot in Arizona This Year

If you stepped outside the last few weeks and felt like you were walking into an oven, you’re not alone. Arizona’s summer 2025 is turning up the heat, and the waves of convection are roasting most of the Grand Canyon state.

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The good news is, it's not quite as hot as last year. Phoenix has hovered around its average highs of 105°F to 107°F, and it feels like a break compared to last year’s brutal streak of 110°F+ days.

Across the state, though, it’s been hotter than usual. AccuWeather predicts temperatures two to three degrees above average in western Arizona and one to two degrees hotter in the east.

Record High Temperatures in Arizona

While temperatures overall seem to be on the rise, Arizona has experienced worse.

Arizona’s hottest July day on record was a scorching 128°F. The temperature was recorded in Lake Havasu City back in 1994. While 105°F might feel intense, we’re not breaking records, at least not yet.

How Phoenix Is Coping With Historic Heat Wave

How a Shift in the Pattern Changes Arizona Weather

Other than the arid, desert climate, why is it so hot in Arizona? You can blame it on the heat dome, a persistent high-pressure system.

The weather pattern shifted eastward, but Arizona is still feeling the residual warmth. Many scientists point to climate change trends and this year's slow-starting monsoon. Boil it all down and you've got a recipe for this year's clingy heat.

How Parents Can Safeguard Kids From Arizona's Summer Heat

Has This Been a Good Year for Monsoon Rain?

Speaking of monsoons, this year has been a mixed bag. Phoenix has received only 0.16 inches of rain so far, which is well below average. Flagstaff and Tucson are faring better with over two inches each.

The summer isn't over yet, and there's good news: forecasts show a wetter-than-normal monsoon could still be on the way.

Sources: Weather Channel | Weather Spark | NOAA