Phoenix, Arizona is on the verge of possible record-breaking temperatures as residents speculate when they will experience their first 100-degree day of 2025. Historically, the residents of Phoenix know that the arrival of triple-digit temperatures is inevitable every year. However, the question on everyone's mind is not if this temperature will be reached, but when.
According to the National Weather Service, Phoenix has not recorded a 100-degree day in March since 1988. On average, the city usually sees its first day with temperatures at or above 100 degrees around May 2. In fact, the earliest occurrence of such a temperature was March 26, 1988, while the latest date for the first 100-degree day was noted as June 18, 1913.
The current forecast indicates that there is a 20% probability that Phoenix could reach triple digits as early as next week due to a high-pressure system moving across the Southwest. This could potentially set a new record for the earliest 100-degree day. The anticipated high temperature for Tuesday, March 25, 2025, is projected to be 98 degrees. Should the temperature rise to 100 on that day, it would break the existing record of March 26, 1988, as the earliest recorded triple-digit day.
Last year, the first 100-degree day happened fairly on schedule, coming on April 21, very much in line with historical patterns. Nonetheless, the climate situation is changing. With a weakening La Niña weather pattern this spring, climatologists expect temperatures to trend warmer and drier than usual, which could contribute to the potential for an earlier onset of these high temperatures.
In light of this, residents are encouraged to participate in a poll to cast their vote on when they believe Phoenix will experience its first 100-degree day in 2025. With the city’s temperature history, it is not an easy task to forecast this day, but many attempts have been made as part of this engaging community effort. Recent years reflect a range of dates for the first 100-degree days:
- 2024: April 21
- 2023: April 30
- 2022: May 7
- 2021: May 5
- 2020: April 26
- 2019: April 26
- 2018: April 10
- 2017: May 3
- 2016: May 4
- 2015: May 1
These fluctuations show how the date can vary significantly from year to year, driven by various climatic factors. Such temperatures can have meaningful implications for public health and utilities in the region, given the high likelihood of rising energy demands that accompany increased temperatures.
In summary, while history suggests an approximate date of arrival for the first 100-degree day in Phoenix of May 2, 2025, the influence of prevailing climatic conditions indicates that this date could come much sooner. And so, with keen anticipation, residents hold their breath, waiting for the inevitable advent of summer temperatures in America’s hottest city.
