Scorching Temperatures Forecast for Cactus League Spring Training

Record-breaking heat could disrupt MLB exhibition games in Arizona

Mar. 12, 2026 at 1:21am

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The National Weather Service is predicting record-setting temperatures in the Phoenix area over the next 10 days, with the mercury potentially reaching over 105 degrees Fahrenheit (40.6 degrees Celsius) by next week. This extreme heat could pose challenges for Major League Baseball teams holding their spring training in the Cactus League, forcing them to adjust their schedules to protect players and fans.

Why it matters

Spring training is a critical part of the MLB season, allowing teams to prepare for the regular season. Excessively high temperatures could impact player performance, increase the risk of heat-related illnesses, and deter fans from attending games, disrupting the teams' preparations.

The details

According to the National Weather Service, there is a 55% chance the temperature will top 105 degrees Fahrenheit by next Wednesday, March 18, with the chances increasing to 70% on March 19 and 85% on March 20. This would shatter the previous record for the earliest day of the year above 100 degrees in Phoenix, which was March 26, 1988. Arizona Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo acknowledged the potential heat and said the team may make adjustments to their schedule to ensure player health and safety.

  • The current forecast shows a roughly 55% chance the temperature will top 105 degrees Fahrenheit by next Wednesday, March 18.
  • The chance of temperatures exceeding 105 degrees improves to 70% on March 19 and 85% on March 20.

The players

Torey Lovullo

The manager of the Arizona Diamondbacks, who said the team may make adjustments to their schedule due to the extreme heat.

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What they’re saying

“We know it's going to be smoking hot next week, but we've got to get work done. There's nothing that you can do sometimes to replace going out and actually doing it. We'll find a way to get it done and make sure these athletes are healthy, strong, hydrated and ready for the next day.”

— Torey Lovullo, Manager, Arizona Diamondbacks

What’s next

Teams in the Cactus League may need to adjust their spring training schedules, such as moving day games to the evening, to protect players and fans from the extreme heat.

The takeaway

The forecasted record-breaking temperatures in the Phoenix area during Cactus League spring training highlight the challenges that climate change can pose to outdoor sporting events, requiring teams and organizers to be proactive in protecting the health and safety of players and fans.