Phoenix Braces for Historic Heatwave as Midwest Battles Blizzards

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Phoenix is preparing for a record-breaking heatwave with temperatures expected to reach 105°F, while the Midwest is grappling with blizzard conditions and ice storms. This extreme weather pattern is driven by a high-pressure system off the California coast that is moving directly over Arizona, bringing an unusually early start to summer-like heat.

Why it matters

The early arrival of extreme heat in Phoenix is disrupting the city's typical spring weather patterns, which usually see a gradual transition into summer. This sudden spike in temperatures poses risks to public health and safety, especially for vulnerable populations. Meanwhile, the severe winter storms in the Midwest are causing significant travel disruptions and power outages, underscoring the growing unpredictability of weather patterns across the country.

The details

In Phoenix, temperatures are forecast to reach 105°F this weekend, months earlier than the typical summer heat. This has already led to several heat-related rescues, including one incident where a hiker had to be rescued from Camelback Mountain after becoming dizzy and unable to descend. The National Weather Service says the mornings will still be pleasant, but the heat will rise rapidly, going from the 70s to the 90s by late morning. Across the Midwest, blizzard conditions and ice storms are causing major disruptions, with heavy rain, strong winds, and the threat of tornadoes also impacting the Northeast.

• On March 16, several hikers had to be rescued off Camelback Mountain in Phoenix due to the extreme heat.
• This weekend, temperatures in Phoenix are forecast to reach 105°F, a record-breaking level for March.

What’s next

The National Weather Service says the extreme heat in Phoenix is expected to continue, with above-average temperatures and a fair share of extreme heat events anticipated throughout the summer.