Phoenix heat warning puts cooling centers in focus as highs reach 116

Phoenix is facing a dangerous stretch of heat, with afternoon temperatures forecast between 109 and 116 degrees in the metropolitan area as residents are urged to use air-conditioned spaces, cooling centers and other heat-relief services.

The National Weather Service Phoenix office issued an Extreme Heat Warning at 11:48 p.m. MST Saturday, August 1, for the Phoenix metropolitan area. The warning is in effect through 8 p.m. MST Tuesday, August 4, and identifies a major to extreme heat risk, with increased danger of heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

The warning makes heat relief an immediate public-services issue for Phoenix residents, especially outdoor workers, older adults, children, people experiencing homelessness and anyone without reliable air conditioning.

Where Phoenix residents can cool down

The city lists a 24/7 Respite and Navigation Center at 20 W. Jackson St. as an around-the-clock location with cooling space, water, navigation services and connections to shelter and other resources for anyone who needs them.

Justa Center, at 1001 W. Jefferson St., is open to the public as a cooling center from 3 to 9 p.m. daily.

Cholla Library, at 10050 Metro Pkwy E., offers cooling access along with full library services. It is open until 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday, with Sunday and holiday hours from noon to 9 p.m.

Hours and availability can change, so residents should check current city information before traveling to a location.

Transportation and water assistance

People who need transportation to a cooling center or other heat-relief location can call 2-1-1 daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. The service can also help residents locate water and other heat-relief resources.

Phoenix’s 2026 Heat Response Plan, identified by the city as a draft dated February 13, describes a broader Heat Relief Network that includes cooling centers, hydration stations, respite centers and extended-hour services. The plan says Phoenix would operate one 24/7 Heat Respite and Navigation Center for the heat season.

Demand is already high

Nearly 30,000 people had visited Phoenix heat-relief centers by July 24, according to Arizona’s Family. The outlet reported that Phoenix city officials had recorded 31 heat-related deaths as of that date, with 321 additional deaths under investigation. The cases under investigation should not be treated as confirmed deaths.

Those figures provide context for the current warning but do not establish that the latest heat period alone caused the visits or deaths. The Associated Press reported that Phoenix was expected to reach 116 degrees on August 1 as part of a broader Western heat event.

Recognize heat illness

Residents should limit strenuous outdoor activity, move to a cool or shaded place when symptoms appear and drink water regularly. Dizziness, nausea, headache, weakness, confusion and unusual fatigue can signal heat illness.

Suspected heat stroke is an emergency. Call 911, move the person to a cool location and take steps to lower their body temperature while waiting for help.

The warning and service hours can change as conditions develop. Phoenix residents should check the latest National Weather Service alert and city heat-relief information before heading outside or traveling to a cooling site.

Sources

• National Weather Service Phoenix Extreme Heat Warning
• City of Phoenix heat-relief sites and hours
• Arizona's Family report on Phoenix cooling-center use and heat deaths