Phoenix-Area Neighborhoods Face Uneven Heat Impacts

Researchers say some parts of the Valley can be up to 10 degrees hotter due to the urban heat island effect.

Mar. 17, 2026 at 2:36am

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As record-breaking heat sweeps through the Phoenix area this week, researchers warn that temperatures will not be evenly distributed across neighborhoods. The urban heat island effect causes some areas with more concrete, asphalt, and less vegetation to absorb and retain significantly more heat, resulting in air temperatures up to 10 degrees hotter than other parts of the Valley.

Why it matters

The uneven distribution of heat across Phoenix-area neighborhoods highlights how the built environment and access to cooling resources can exacerbate climate change impacts, putting some residents at greater risk of heat-related health issues. Understanding these hot spots is crucial for developing targeted solutions to address urban heat.

The details

Ariane Middel, an associate professor at Arizona State University, explains that surfaces like asphalt, concrete, rooftops, and parking lots act as "heat sponges," absorbing the sun's energy during the day and slowly releasing it back into the air at night. Areas with less tree cover and more exposed surfaces tend to experience the most intense urban heat island effects.

  • This week, the Phoenix area is forecast to experience record-breaking heat.
  • Cooling centers in the Valley typically do not open until May.

The players

Ariane Middel

An associate professor at Arizona State University who researches how materials and design impact air temperatures.

Addison Howley

A Valley resident living in an urban heat island area.

Brooklyn Williams

A Valley resident who was unaware of the urban heat island effect.

Lauren Fitzgerald

A visitor from Washington who could already feel the intense heat.

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What they’re saying

“Urban heat is not distributed evenly across the city.”

— Ariane Middel, Associate Professor, Arizona State University (azfamily.com)

“They absorb a lot of the sun's energy during the day — and then slowly release that heat back into the air at night.”

— Ariane Middel, Associate Professor, Arizona State University (azfamily.com)

“I did not know that, and I don't love it.”

— Addison Howley (azfamily.com)

“I did not know that. No. That's crazy.”

— Brooklyn Williams (azfamily.com)

“I can feel it like radiating right now.”

— Lauren Fitzgerald (azfamily.com)

What’s next

The City of Phoenix said its public libraries are open to the public as a place to escape the heat until cooling centers open in May.

The takeaway

This case highlights how the built environment and access to cooling resources can exacerbate climate change impacts, putting some Phoenix-area residents at greater risk of heat-related health issues. Understanding these urban heat hotspots is crucial for developing targeted solutions to address uneven heat distribution across neighborhoods.