A record-shattering heat wave will bring triple-digit temperatures to the Valley over the next several days and the National Weather Service is putting an Extreme Heat Warning in effect Thursday morning through Sunday evening.
These Phoenix hiking trails will close this week
Some Phoenix tourist attractions are adjusting schedules in response and several popular Phoenix hiking trails will close.
The Echo Canyon and Cholla trails on Camelback Mountain, the Piestewa Peak Summit trail, and several trails on South Mountain will close from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday through Sunday in response to the Extreme Heat Warning. An alert from the city’s Parks and Recreation department said the city also strongly discourages hiking on all other city trails between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on extreme heat days.
Phoenix since 2021 has been closing trails during Extreme Heat Warnings, but these types of warnings typically happen in July or August. This week is the first time the National Weather Service has issued a warning in March in Phoenix, said meteorologist Sean Benedict.
“For March, it’s highly unusual,” Benedict said. “We’ve only ever hit 100 one time on record in Phoenix in March, and we’re forecasting multiple days of it.”
The Phoenix Fire Department has already responded to heat-related emergency calls on hiking trails this week. Phoenix Fire Capt. Mike Johnson said trail closures keep hikers and rescue crews safe.
“Making sure that you can get out early or later on the trails that are open, and not hiking during that peak temperature is going to be what’s best for you,” Johnson said. “We just really haven’t had that time yet to get acclimated with these unprecedented temperatures.”
The Desert Botanical Garden is also encouraging visitors to hike its trails in the early morning or late evening. The garden is temporarily adjusting its hours to open at 6 a.m. and close at 10 p.m. through Sunday.
To incentivize visitors to avoid the hottest part of the day, the garden is also offering promo code “HEAT26” for discounted admission after 8 p.m. on those dates.
Doctor warns of heat exhaustion, heat stroke risk
Many out of town visitors to the Phoenix-area are feeling the intensity of our heat — yes, it’s a dry heat — but these above average temperatures can also be dangerous if you’re not acclimated.
It’s hot out, even for those of us who are used to triple-digit temperatures. But for visitors from cooler climates, this heat can make you sick — literally.
“The important message I think is that the Arizona sun is intense," says Dr. Mike Kleven, a primary care physician with Optum Arizona in the West Valley.
That's true even when temperatures are where they’re supposed to be, which is the mid- to upper 70s. If you’re thinking about going for a daytime hike or hanging out by the pool, and you’re not used to this kind of heat, Kleven says plan ahead.
“Specifically with sunscreen, wide-brimmed hats, long-sleeve shirts, and seeking shade and hydration," he said.
That part is critical because of our dry climate, which makes it harder to stay hydrated.
“So if you're coming in from out of town, again, you may be used to spending more time in the sun without any problem. When you get here, the intensity of our sun can make you burn much faster. And often, by the time you see redness showing up, a lot of damage has already been done.”
Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are two risks to be aware of. Symptoms can include nausea, headache, dizziness, slurred speech or confusion.
And that, says Kleven, is a medical emergency and to call 911.
Spring training baseball games adjust times
The Cactus League is also changing times for several spring training games this week, and some ballparks are adjusting policies to allow spectators to bring their own water to games.
"Call the ballpark or go to the website, the official website. Make sure you’re getting official information because some other websites might not be updating before you head out," said Cactus League spokesperson Andy Bagnato.
Bridget Binsbacher, executive director of the Cactus League Baseball Association, said rain has forced schedule changes before. But not heat.
“This is an unusual situation in March that we are experiencing. So we’re just trying to respond to it the best way we can. And we want our fans to have the best possible experience,” Binsbacher said.
ASU researchers estimate that last year the Cactus League generated $764 million in economic impact for the state.
Decisions to move spring training game times due to a heat wave forecast to hit metro Phoenix are being made at individual stadiums.
Eight cities and one tribe own the 10 ballparks that serve as Cactus League homes.
Binsbacher said the facilities share a best practices forum that was built during the pandemic.
“We’ve worked really hard over the years to create this line of communication. And foster the relationships among our member facilities and our facility operators,” she said.
Rescheduled games this week are:
- Wednesday, March 18: Royals vs. Rangers at Surprise Stadium, 6:05 p.m.
- Thursday, March 19: Giants vs. Rockies at Salt River Fields, 6:10 p.m.
- Thursday, March 19: Angels vs. Royals at Surprise Stadium, 6:05 p.m.
- Friday, March 20: Giants vs. Rangers at Surprise Stadium, 6:05 p.m.
- Friday, March 20: Cubs (split squad) vs. Athletics, at Hohokam Stadium, 6:10 p.m.
- Friday, March 20: Reds vs. Cubs (split squad) at Sloan Park, 6:05 p.m.
- Friday, March 20: Brewers vs. Diamondbacks at Salt River Fields, 6:10 p.m.
- Friday, March 20: Mariners vs. Guardians at Goodyear Ballpark, 6:05 p.m.
- Saturday, March 21: White Sox vs. Reds at Goodyear Ballpark, 6:05 p.m.
- Saturday, March 21: Cubs vs. Mariners at Peoria Sports Complex, 6:10 p.m.
- Saturday, March 21: Athletics vs Dodgers at Camelback Ranch-Glendale, 11:05 a.m.
Metro Phoenix forecast from NWS
Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 101. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 67. Calm wind.
Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 104. Calm wind.
Thursday Night: Clear, with a low around 69. Calm wind.
Friday: Sunny, with a high near 106. East northeast wind around 5 mph becoming west southwest in the afternoon.
Friday Night: Clear, with a low around 70. Calm wind.
Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 106. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Saturday Night: Clear, with a low around 70. West wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 103. Calm wind becoming west southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 69. West southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
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It’s not triple-digit-hot yet, but temperatures are still in the high 80s and low 90s, and that can be dangerous for many older adults. Phoenix recently held a heat safety event for seniors. -
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Arizona’s largest electric utility will no longer disconnect customers’ power when temperatures exceed 95 degrees, following a settlement with the Attorney General’s Office. -
The victim was an older adult male, but officials have not released any additional details about the case. Temperatures this spring have been much hotter than average. -
According to National Weather Service data, temperatures have averaged about 8.3 degrees above-normal so far this month – the third-hottest start to April on record in Phoenix.
