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Extreme heat persists in Phoenix after weekend records fall

Extreme heat persists in Phoenix after weekend records fall

High pressure continues to wander around the southwest, delivering extreme temperatures and high humidity heading into the new month.
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Extreme Heat Warnings Persist Across Southwest, Impacting Millions

Extreme Heat Warnings Persist Across Southwest, Impacting Millions

Millions of residents across the Southwest United States are under Extreme Heat Warnings this week as dangerously high temperatures continue to affect Arizona, California, Nevada, and Utah. According to the National Weather Service (NWS), temperatures in some areas are expected to exceed 120°F (48.9°C), with little relief during overnight hours as lows remain in the 80s and 90s. Arizona is among the hardest-hit states, with Phoenix and surrounding areas experiencing highs between 109°F and 118°F (42.8°C to 47.8°C). California's deserts and inland valleys, including Imperial County and the Coachella Valley, are also seeing temperatures as high as 119°F (48.3°C). Southern Nevada, including Las Vegas, and parts of southern Utah, such as Zion National Park, are similarly affected. Prolonged exposure to these conditions poses significant risks, particularly for vulnerable populations such as the elderly, children, and outdoor workers.
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Phoenix Faces Extended Heat Wave with Record Temperatures

Phoenix Faces Extended Heat Wave with Record Temperatures

Phoenix, Arizona, is experiencing an extended period of extreme heat, with temperatures reaching up to 116 degrees Fahrenheit. The National Weather Service has issued First Alert Weather Days through Tuesday, advising residents to avoid prolonged outdoor activities during peak heat hours. The heat wave is attributed to a persistent high-pressure system, with only a slight chance of relief from potential thunderstorms later in the week. The heat is expected to continue, with temperatures remaining above 110 degrees Fahrenheit for several days.
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Extreme Heat Warning Extended as Phoenix Hits 115°F Record

Extreme Heat Warning Extended as Phoenix Hits 115°F Record

An extreme heat warning for Maricopa County, Arizona, has been extended through Wednesday, August 5, 2026, following a record-breaking temperature of 115°F (46.1°C) in metro Phoenix on Sunday. The Arizona Department of Health Services has also issued heat warnings for several other counties, including Coconino, La Paz, Pinal, Yuma, Cochise, Graham, Greenlee, Pima, Santa Cruz, and Yavapai. According to Chris Kuhlman of the National Weather Service (NWS) in Phoenix, while temperatures may slightly decrease to just under 110°F (43.3°C) by midweek, increased humidity will make conditions feel just as oppressive. Gabriel Lojero of the NWS noted a 20-30% chance of rain later in the week, which could bring some relief to the region. Source time: August 3, 2026, 11:22 AM MST.
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How Metro Phoenix cities plan to cope with less Colorado River water

How Metro Phoenix cities plan to cope with less Colorado River water

The federal government announced its plan to curb Arizona’s use of Colorado River water starting next year. Valley leaders say their cities are ready.
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Western U.S. Faces Record Heat Wave, Increasing Wildfire Risks

Western U.S. Faces Record Heat Wave, Increasing Wildfire Risks

A significant heat wave is affecting the Western United States, with temperatures reaching near-record highs. This weather pattern, known as a heat dome, is causing dangerous conditions from Arizona to Montana. Cities like Las Vegas and Phoenix are experiencing extreme temperatures, with Las Vegas hitting 115°F and Phoenix expected to reach 116°F. The National Weather Service has issued warnings for these areas, urging residents to stay indoors and hydrated. The heat wave is exacerbating wildfire risks, particularly in already dry regions. Washington Governor Bob Ferguson has declared a state of emergency due to the heightened wildfire threat, banning most outdoor and agricultural burning through September.
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Extreme Heat Warnings Issued for Western U.S., Including Los Angeles and Las Vegas

Extreme Heat Warnings Issued for Western U.S., Including Los Angeles and Las Vegas

The National Weather Service has issued extreme heat warnings for several major cities in the western United States, including Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Phoenix, Tucson, and Salt Lake City. These warnings are in effect from July 30 through August 2, 2026, as temperatures are expected to soar into the triple digits. Phoenix is forecast to reach 116°F (46.7°C) on Sunday, while Rapid City, South Dakota, could hit 103°F (39.4°C). Heat advisories are also in place for cities like Denver, Fresno, Rapid City, and Bismarck. The extreme heat, combined with dry conditions and gusty winds, has increased the risk of wildfires across the Northwest, with red flag warnings issued in areas from Montana to Utah. A wildfire in Spokane County, Washington, has already consumed over 5,000 acres and damaged or destroyed 600 structures.
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Phoenix Prepares for Potential Colorado River Water Cuts Amid Federal Framework

Phoenix Prepares for Potential Colorado River Water Cuts Amid Federal Framework

The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation has proposed a plan to address water shortages on the Colorado River, suggesting significant cuts to water allocations for Lower Basin states, including Arizona. The plan, outlined in the Post-2026 Operational Guidelines and Strategies for Lake Powell and Lake Mead, aims to manage river operations post-2026. Phoenix, which relies on the Colorado River for about 40% of its drinking water, is preparing for these potential cuts. The city has invested in conservation, underground water storage, and infrastructure projects like the Drought Pipeline Project to mitigate the impact. Despite these preparations, Phoenix officials, including Mayor Kate Gallego, express concern over the disproportionate burden placed on Arizona compared to Upper Basin states.
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Phoenix growth ignores water woes | Letters

Phoenix growth ignores water woes | Letters

TSMC’s Phoenix plant may spur growth, but critics say coverage ignores its impact on Arizona’s worsening water crisis and nearby development.
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Phoenix heat wave brings record temperatures

Phoenix heat wave brings record temperatures

Phoenix faces record heat this weekend with temperatures reaching 117 degrees and little relief during warm nights.
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Heat Dome in Western US Poses Severe Health Risks to Millions

Heat Dome in Western US Poses Severe Health Risks to Millions

An intense heat dome is currently affecting the Western United States, placing approximately 55 million people under heat alerts. The National Weather Service has issued warnings for regions including California, Nevada, and Arizona, with temperatures expected to reach as high as 118 degrees in Phoenix and 115 in Las Vegas. The heat dome is also impacting areas as far north as Montana, Nebraska, Colorado, and Wyoming. This weather phenomenon is exacerbated by human-caused climate change, which is making such heat waves more frequent and severe. The extreme heat poses significant public health risks, particularly for those without access to cooling, as nighttime temperatures remain high, preventing adequate rest and recovery.
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Federal Government Proposes Significant Water Cuts for Colorado River States

Federal Government Proposes Significant Water Cuts for Colorado River States

The federal government has unveiled a new plan to address the ongoing water crisis affecting the Colorado River, which is crucial for Arizona, California, and Nevada. Announced on July 31, 2026, the plan proposes substantial reductions in water deliveries, potentially up to 3 million acre-feet annually, nearly double the conservation efforts previously suggested by these states. Arizona, in particular, faces the most severe cuts, which could impact water supplies to major cities like Phoenix and Tucson. The U.S. Interior Department’s Bureau of Reclamation released an environmental study to support this plan, aiming to prevent critical drops in water levels at Lake Mead and Lake Powell. The plan replaces guidelines from 2007 and introduces a flexible framework to adapt to changing climate conditions every two years.