Phoenix Reaches the Hottest August Day Ever — 118°F Shatters 120-Year Record
Phoenix just turned up the heat—literally. On August 7, the city roasted under a sizzling temperature of 118°F, marking the hottest August day ever recorded since records began in 1895 https://www.azfamily.comThe Watchers.
Breaking Down the Heat
-
The scorching 118°F temperature hit around 3:40 p.m., eclipsing the previous high of 117°F, a record that had stood in a four-way tie from 2011, 2015, 2020, and 2023 https://www.azfamily.comThe WatchersFOX Weather.
-
Even overnight, temperatures offered no relief. The morning low barely dipped to 94°F, breaking the previous warm-low record of 91°F set in 2023 https://www.azfamily.com.
-
This wasn’t just a daily record—it shattered a 120-year-old mark for August by about 6°F Reddit.
What Made This Heatwave So Extreme?
A powerful heat dome settled over the Desert Southwest, cranking up desert temperatures to unprecedented levels. Phoenix, Tucson, and regions like the Grand Canyon all found themselves under extreme heat warnings, with forecasts warning that highs could approach or exceed 120°F, while nighttime lows stayed dangerously above 90°F The Washington Post.
How Unusual Is This for Phoenix?
Phoenix isn’t unfamiliar with searing summer days—on average, it sees about 111 days a year topping 100°F and around 21 days above 110°F Wikipedia. But even for this desert powerhouse, hitting 118°F in August stands out as an extraordinary—and alarming—milestone.
Voices from the Community
On Reddit, locals didn’t mince words about the intensity:
“Phoenix experienced its hottest August day on record Thursday, with a high temperature of 118 degrees.”
“The 118 degree mark shattered a 120-year-old daily heat record for Phoenix by 6 degrees.” Reddit
These firsthand accounts bring home just how deeply felt this heatwave was.
What’s Next—and Why It Matters
Despite a slight dip expected in the days ahead, the region remains under extreme heat alerts. The high pressure ridge that baked the area continues to stall, delaying any real escape from this relentless furnace https://www.azfamily.comFOX WeatherThe Washington Post.
This isn’t just uncomfortable—it poses a serious threat. Phoenix has already faced soaring heat-related mortality in past summers, prompting authorities to bolster measures like preventing utility shutoffs and opening cooling centers. When days stay this dangerously hot, protecting public health becomes a critical mission AP NewsThe New Yorker.
In Summary
Phoenix reached an astonishing 118°F on August 7, setting a new record for the hottest day ever in August—and pushing life to the edge in the city’s historic heat saga. This fiery milestone underscores how deeply climate extremes are reshaping our summers. Stay cool, stay aware, and let’s hope relief comes sooner rather than later.