Phoenix Hits 100 Degrees, Columnist Laments Lost Spring

Republic columnist Bill Goodykoontz reflects on climate change and early summer heat in Arizona.

Mar. 18, 2026 at 11:40pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

In a column for azcentral.com, Republic columnist Bill Goodykoontz expressed his disappointment as Phoenix, Arizona reached 100 degrees Fahrenheit on March 18, 2026, lamenting the loss of spring weather due to the impacts of climate change.

Why it matters

The early arrival of extreme summer heat in Phoenix is a concerning sign of the broader climate changes impacting the Southwest region, with longer and hotter summers becoming the new normal. Goodykoontz's column gives voice to the frustration many residents feel as they witness the gradual disappearance of the mild spring season they once enjoyed.

The details

Goodykoontz's column reflects on the dramatic shift in Phoenix's weather patterns, with temperatures soaring to 100 degrees Fahrenheit in mid-March, a time of year that would traditionally be marked by mild, spring-like conditions. The columnist mourns the loss of this cherished spring season, which he says has been "stolen" by the effects of climate change.

  • On March 18, 2026, Phoenix reached 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

The players

Bill Goodykoontz

A columnist for The Arizona Republic newspaper.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I'd like my spring back,”

— Bill Goodykoontz, Columnist

The takeaway

Goodykoontz's column highlights the personal impact of climate change on the daily lives of Phoenix residents, as they witness the gradual disappearance of the mild spring season they once took for granted. His lament reflects the broader challenges facing communities in the Southwest as they adapt to a new normal of longer, hotter summers.