Phoenix, Arizona – Desert communities across Arizona and parts of southeastern California could face dangerously early-season heat late next week, with temperatures climbing into the 103°F to 108°F range across the region.
According to the National Weather Service in Phoenix, an Extreme Heat Watch is in effect from Thursday morning through Sunday evening for much of central and southwest Arizona, including the entire Phoenix metro area. The watch also extends into parts of Imperial County, California, including Blythe, El Centro, and the Imperial Valley beginning Wednesday.
Cities across the Valley—including Phoenix, Mesa, Chandler, Scottsdale, Tempe, Glendale, and Peoria—could see afternoon temperatures reaching 105°F to 108°F during the peak of the heat event.
Rural desert communities such as Yuma, Gila Bend, Casa Grande, Quartzsite, and Wickenburg may experience similarly extreme temperatures as strong high pressure builds across the Southwest.
Meteorologists note that while these temperatures are common in summer, triple-digit heat in March is highly unusual and could challenge or break daily records.
Health officials warn that early-season heat waves are especially dangerous because residents have not yet acclimated to extreme temperatures. Outdoor workers, hikers, and those without reliable cooling systems face the highest risk.
Residents are urged to stay hydrated, avoid strenuous outdoor activity during afternoon hours, and check on vulnerable neighbors as the extreme heat threat develops late next week.
