Phoenix reaches 100 degrees for first time in 2023
Phoenix reached 100 degrees for the first time this year on Sunday, but relief was expected to come as temperatures cool down over the next several days, according to the National Weather Service in Phoenix.
According to meteorologist Ryan Worley with the weather service in Phoenix, the three digits were registered at Sky Harbor just after 1:30 p.m. In the past two years, Phoenix saw its first 100-degree day in May — May 7 in 2022 and May 5 in 2021 — which tracks with the usual average of May 2 for the first annual 100-degree day in the Valley.
Sunday's heat climbed past the 100-degree mark and reached 102 degrees just after 3 p.m., tying the record high April 30 temperature set in 1943.
Sky Harbor currently sits at 102 degrees. And with that, we have now tied the record high temperature for this date. The previous record high was set back in 1943. Will we break the 80 year old record before the day is done? #azwx pic.twitter.com/74z1h4om2M
— NWS Phoenix (@NWSPhoenix) April 30, 2023
On average, Phoenix tends to reach that same temperature around May 14, according to data from the weather service in Phoenix using temperatures from the last three decades.
After seeing its latest 85-degree day since 1973 earlier this month, the metro area went through a quick warm up trend that peaked on Sunday, resulting in the hottest day Phoenix has seen so far this year.
We have officially hit 100 degrees for the first time this year at Sky Harbor. The record high for today is 102 degrees, and we still have some time to get there. #azwx pic.twitter.com/F5j31yCxdV
— NWS Phoenix (@NWSPhoenix) April 30, 2023
The weather service advised residents to beware of heat risk and wind gusts that were expected to develop throughout the day
"People should definitely be cautious if they're going to go outside, make sure to drink water and take plenty of breaks," Worley said.
Sunday is likely to be the hottest for the next few days. Heading into next week, temperatures are expected to scale back down into the upper 90s.
"Starting for tomorrow, we'll cool down for a little bit, barely reaching 90 degrees in the middle of the week. After that we'll start to slightly warmp up as we head into next weekend, but the weather will stay dry and quiet for a while," Worley said.
The trough will provide some nice cooling for Phoenicians through the middle of the week, while also bringing breezy conditions with it.
According to Worley, Phoenix will likely not see triple digits again until the mid- or late May.
"We just got a quick snap of this 100-degree air mass. It'll be quite some time until we get it again" he said.
Hot weather tips
The Arizona Department of Health Services provided tips to prevent heat-related illness:
Drink water: It is recommended to drink at least 2 liters of water per day if people are staying inside all day. Those who spend time outdoors should drink 1 to 2 liters per hour they are outside.
Dress for the heat: wear light-weight and light-colored clothing. Sunscreen should always be applied to exposed skin and it is recommended to wear a hat or use an umbrella when outdoors.
Eat small meals and eat more often: They recommend avoiding foods high in protein that increase metabolic heat
Monitor those at risk: Check on friends, family or others for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
Slow down and avoid strenuous activity: It is recommended to only do strenuous activity during the coolest hours of the day, between 4 and 7 a.m.
Stay indoors
Take breaks when engaged in physical activity: Take a break in a cool place when doing activity outside on a hot day.
Republic Reporter Kye Graves contributed to this article
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Phoenix reaches 100 degrees for first time in 2023
