National Weather ServiceArizonaExtreme Heat WatchArchive to October 1, 2026
Extreme Heat Watches in Arizona
The National Weather Service issued 19 extreme heat watches for Arizona in 2025 and 14 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 2nd most of any state. 2026 through September: 15, 7% above the average of 14 for those months in 2008-2025. Lake Havasu and Fort Mohave was covered most often (69 times since 2008).
How many extreme heat watches does Arizona get?
Every extreme heat watch that covered part of Arizona. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 15 |
| 2025 | 19 |
| 2024 | 24 |
| 2023 | 15 |
| 2022 | 13 |
| 2021 | 15 |
| 2020 | 32 |
| 2019 | 10 |
| 2018 | 22 |
| 2017 | 10 |
| 2016 | 8 |
| 2015 | 7 |
| 2014 | 6 |
| 2013 | 7 |
| 2012 | 16 |
| 2011 | 12 |
| 2010 | 14 |
| 2009 | 9 |
| 2008 | 14 |
Source: Iowa Environmental Mesonet archive of National Weather Service watches, warnings and advisories (VTEC); National Weather Service. Data as of October 1, 2026.
When in the year does Arizona get them?
Sum of 2008-2025; the busiest month is labelled.
Source: Iowa Environmental Mesonet archive of National Weather Service watches, warnings and advisories (VTEC); National Weather Service. Data as of October 1, 2026.
Where in Arizona?
| County or forecast zone | Since 2008 | Since 2023 | Last issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Havasu and Fort Mohave | 69 | 12 | August 18, 2026 |
| Lake Mead National Recreation Area | 68 | 13 | March 18, 2026 |
| South Mountain/Ahwatukee | 58 | 25 | August 17, 2026 |
| Northwest Deserts | 58 | 13 | August 18, 2026 |
| North Phoenix/Glendale | 58 | 25 | August 17, 2026 |
| East Valley | 58 | 25 | August 17, 2026 |
| Central Phoenix | 58 | 25 | August 17, 2026 |
| Buckeye/Avondale | 58 | 25 | August 17, 2026 |
| Southeast Valley/Queen Creek | 57 | 25 | August 17, 2026 |
| Scottsdale/Paradise Valley | 57 | 25 | August 17, 2026 |
| Deer Valley | 56 | 25 | August 17, 2026 |
| Northwest Valley | 55 | 25 | August 17, 2026 |
The NWS issues these products for counties or forecast zones; a zone can be part of a county or a mountain range.
Source: Iowa Environmental Mesonet archive of National Weather Service watches, warnings and advisories (VTEC); National Weather Service. Data as of October 1, 2026.
What is an extreme heat watch?
An extreme heat watch means dangerous heat is possible in the coming days. It replaced the excessive heat watch in 2025. A watch means the conditions for the hazard are possible or favourable, but it is not yet happening: be ready to act if a warning follows. AreaZine's counts include the excessive heat watches issued before the change. The national record · Every warning type in Arizona.