March 1, 2026, 3:58 p.m. MT
- Phoenix experienced its warmest meteorological winter on record from December 2025 to February 2026.
- Temperatures in late February 2026 broke several daily heat records for the city.
- Officials have advised residents to take precautions against the heat, such as staying hydrated.
The weather in the Valley was off to a hot start in March as temperatures had been above normal throughout the past few months.
December 2025 through February 2026 was the warmest on record for Phoenix, surpassing the record set just last winter by nearly three degrees, the National Weather Service office in Phoenix said on social media.
March 1 was expected to reach a high of 94 degrees, breaking the record for the hottest day to date for the city of Phoenix, which was 89 degrees in 2016, the weather service said.
Arizona is no stranger to heat waves, and temperatures in metro Phoenix climbed into the 90s through the last week of February.
On Feb. 28, the city of Phoenix shattered the record for the hottest day to datewith temperatures reaching 92 degrees in the afternoon and tying the hottest day of the month.
On Feb. 27, temperatures also reached 92 degrees, tying the record for the hottest day to date.
The weather service urged residents and travelers to keep themselves protected from the heat with reminders to stay hydrated and cool when outside.
