Phoenix Breaks 23-Year-Old Heat Record

The city saw temperatures peak at 85 degrees on Sunday, surpassing the previous record.

Feb. 1, 2026 at 8:55pm

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Phoenix, Arizona broke a 23-year-old daily heat record on Sunday, February 1, 2026, with temperatures reaching 85 degrees at 3:09 pm. This surpassed the previous record of 82 degrees set in 2003. The warm weather has continued into the start of February, with forecasts calling for above-normal temperatures throughout the week.

Why it matters

Phoenix's record-breaking heat is an example of the ongoing trend of rising temperatures and more extreme weather events driven by climate change. This type of heat can pose health risks, especially for vulnerable populations, and can also impact local infrastructure and the environment.

The details

The temperature peaked at 85 degrees at 3:09 pm at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, which the National Weather Service uses for the city's official readings. Temperatures have been warm all weekend, with Phoenix reaching 81 degrees on Saturday, about 12 degrees above normal. The city finished January with an average temperature of 61.1 degrees, making it the fourth warmest January on record.

  • The previous record of 82 degrees was set on February 1, 2003.
  • Phoenix reached a high of 81 degrees on Saturday, January 31, 2026, about 12 degrees above normal.
  • Phoenix finished the month of January 2026 with an average temperature of 61.1 degrees, the fourth warmest January on record.

The players

National Weather Service (NWS)

The government agency that provides weather forecasts and climate monitoring for the United States.

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport

The major airport serving the Phoenix metropolitan area, which is used by the NWS to record the city's official temperature readings.

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What’s next

Temperatures in the Phoenix area are expected to remain above normal throughout the week, with forecasts calling for highs of 80 degrees on Monday, 82 degrees on Tuesday, and 84 degrees on Wednesday.

The takeaway

This record-breaking heat in Phoenix is a stark reminder of the impacts of climate change, which is leading to more frequent and intense extreme weather events. As temperatures continue to rise, it will be crucial for communities to prepare and adapt to protect public health and infrastructure.