Southwest Sizzles as Northeast Digs Out From Historic Blizzard

Phoenix eyes earliest 90-degree day in 40 years as record warmth hits the region.

Feb. 25, 2026 at 5:33pm

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As the East struggles to recover from record-breaking snowfall, the Southwest is bracing for record warmth later this week. Cities like Phoenix, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas are forecast to experience temperatures 15-25 degrees above average, with the potential for multiple days of record high temperatures.

Why it matters

The stark contrast between the extreme winter weather in the Northeast and the record warmth in the Southwest highlights the increasing volatility of weather patterns across the country. This underscores the need for communities to be prepared for a wide range of climate-related challenges.

The details

The historic blizzard that slammed the I-95 corridor earlier this week dumped feet of snow and brought hurricane-force winds that paralyzed multiple cities in the Northeast. Meanwhile, the Southwest is forecast to see high temperatures climb 15-25 degrees above average, with the potential for Phoenix to reach 90 degrees as early as this Thursday, which would be the city's earliest 90-degree day in 40 years.

  • The Northeast was hit by a record-breaking blizzard earlier this week.
  • Another winter storm is expected to bring more snow and ice to the Midwest and Northeast starting on Sunday.
  • From Thursday to Sunday, numerous record highs could be set in the Southwest, including the potential for back-to-back records in cities such as Phoenix, Arizona.

The players

Phoenix, Arizona

A city in the Southwest that is forecast to experience record warmth, with the potential to reach 90 degrees as early as this Thursday, which would be the city's earliest 90-degree day in 40 years.

Los Angeles, California

A city in the Southwest that is also expected to experience record warmth, with the potential to reach temperatures above 90 degrees on Friday, marking its first 90-degree day since early November and the first in February in a decade.

Las Vegas, Nevada

A city in the Southwest that, along with many other cities in Texas, will experience high temperatures feeling like early May.

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What’s next

As the Southwest braces for record warmth, communities will need to take steps to ensure the safety and well-being of their residents, such as opening cooling centers and providing information on heat-related health risks.

The takeaway

The stark contrast between the extreme winter weather in the Northeast and the record warmth in the Southwest highlights the increasing volatility of weather patterns across the country, underscoring the need for communities to be prepared for a wide range of climate-related challenges.