Over 400 Treated for Heat Illness at Arizona Airshow

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

Mar. 24, 2026 at 2:54pm

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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 and having pre-existing medical conditions. Record-breaking temperatures have been recorded across the West, with Phoenix, Las Vegas, and other cities setting new March highs.

Why it matters

The extreme heat wave in the Western U.S. is putting a strain on public events and infrastructure, with the airshow incident highlighting the risks to vulnerable populations. The heat is also contributing to dangerous fire conditions and flooding in other parts of the region.

The details

At the Luke Days Airshow at Luke Air Force Base, more than 400 attendees required medical attention due to the sweltering 105-degree temperatures. U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. David Berkland said the majority of those treated were under 12 or over 60, and many had pre-existing conditions like heart disease, diabetes, or pregnancy. Dozens of locations across the West have broken high-temperature records since Thursday, including Phoenix, Tucson, Las Vegas, Salt Lake City, and Denver.

  • On Saturday, the temperature in Phoenix reached 105 degrees for the third straight day, tying a record for March.
  • On Saturday, the temperature in Tucson reached 102 degrees.
  • On Saturday, the temperature in Las Vegas reached 96 degrees, the second-highest March temperature on record.

The players

David Berkland

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

Luke Air Force Base

The location of the Luke Days Airshow where over 400 people required medical attention due to the extreme heat.

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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

The heat wave in the Western U.S. is putting public events and vulnerable populations at risk, underscoring the need for better preparation and mitigation strategies as extreme weather events become more frequent due to climate change.