Arizona is known for its extreme heat, a reputation earned through its expansive desert landscapes and consistently high summer temperatures. The state’s climate is frequently discussed, especially during the summer months when heat advisories are common. Determining the highest temperature ever recorded requires consulting official meteorological records, such as those maintained by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the National Weather Service (NWS). This article identifies the absolute highest temperature officially documented in the state.
The Official State Record
The hottest temperature officially recorded in Arizona reached 128 degrees Fahrenheit (53.3 degrees Celsius). This temperature stands as the state’s all-time record high. The National Weather Service confirms this extreme reading was taken on June 29, 1994, in Lake Havasu City.
Lake Havasu City is located in western Arizona near the border with California, sitting in a low-elevation desert basin. This location is part of the Mojave Desert, a region highly susceptible to intense solar heating. The environment is characterized by a lack of substantial shade and high aridity, which contributes significantly to temperature spikes.
Arizona’s Geography of Extreme Heat
Arizona’s predisposition for heat is largely dictated by its geography and atmospheric conditions. Much of the southern and western parts of the state are situated within the Basin and Range Province, featuring low-elevation desert basins. These lower elevations allow air to heat more effectively and retain that heat without the cooling effect of higher altitudes.
A major atmospheric influence is the subtropical ridge, a persistent area of high pressure that typically settles over the Four Corners region during the summer. This ridge causes the air to sink, which warms it through compression and leads to clear skies that maximize solar radiation reaching the ground. Furthermore, the arid climate means little energy is consumed by evaporation, allowing the sun’s energy to directly raise the air temperature. This combination of low elevation, sinking air, and aridity is the fundamental mechanism behind Arizona’s notorious “dry heat.”
Comparing Major City Records
While the state record is significant, the temperatures experienced by the majority of residents are represented by the records in Arizona’s most populous cities. These urban centers often see extreme heat, but their all-time highs are typically lower than the remote state record.
Phoenix, the state capital, holds an official record high of 122 degrees Fahrenheit (50.0 degrees Celsius), recorded at Sky Harbor Airport on June 26, 1990. Tucson, located in the Sonoran Desert, has an official record high of 117 degrees Fahrenheit (47.2 degrees Celsius), also set on June 26, 1990. Further west, Yuma has seen temperatures reach a high of 124 degrees Fahrenheit (51.1 degrees Celsius). These urban records reflect the intense heat that frequently impacts daily life.