Over 400 treated for heat-related illness at Arizona airshow

Record-breaking temperatures continue to bake the Western U.S.

Mar. 23, 2026 at 12:54am

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More than 400 people attending an airshow in Glendale, Arizona were treated for heat-related illnesses as temperatures soared to 105 degrees on Saturday. At least 25 people were hospitalized, with the majority being under 12 or over 60 years old and having pre-existing medical conditions. Record-shattering temperatures are expected to continue across the West, with dozens of locations breaking high-temperature records since Thursday.

Why it matters

The extreme heat wave in the Western U.S. is putting a strain on public events and infrastructure, as well as posing serious health risks to vulnerable populations. This highlights the growing challenge of adapting to the impacts of climate change, particularly in regions that are experiencing more frequent and intense heat waves.

The details

At the Luke Days Airshow at Luke Air Force Base, more than 400 people were treated for heat-related illnesses, with 25 requiring hospitalization. U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. David Berkland said the majority of those affected were under 12 or over 60, and many had pre-existing medical conditions. Temperatures reached 105 degrees in Phoenix for the third straight day, tying a record for March. Other cities across the West, including Tucson, Las Vegas, Salt Lake City, and Denver, also set new high temperature records for March.

  • On Saturday, temperatures in Phoenix reached 105 degrees for the third straight day.
  • On Saturday, temperatures in Tucson reached 102 degrees, and Las Vegas hit 96 degrees, the second-highest temperature there for March.

The players

David Berkland

U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. who provided information about the heat-related illnesses at the airshow.

Phoenix

A city in Arizona that reached 105 degrees for the third straight day, tying a record for March.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

The takeaway

This extreme heat wave in the Western U.S. highlights the growing challenge of adapting to the impacts of climate change, particularly for vulnerable populations. Public events and infrastructure are being strained, and the health risks are significant, underscoring the need for proactive measures to address the effects of rising temperatures.