Updated 8:20 p.m. Arizona time Thursday, Sept. 10: The Extreme Heat Warning for the Phoenix metropolitan area and western Maricopa County expired at 8 p.m. Thursday. The National Weather Service warning summary no longer lists Phoenix-area forecast zones, although warnings continue through Friday evening in portions of far southwestern Arizona and southeastern California.
The Phoenix office said temperatures will remain above normal as they slowly cool through the weekend and early next week. Moderate to major HeatRisk may continue even without an active metro-area warning. The change in alert status also does not alter Maricopa County’s confirmed 2026 heat-related death count of 150.
County confirms 150 heat-related deaths
Maricopa County health officials have confirmed 150 heat-related deaths in 2026, up 97% from the 76 confirmed at the same point in 2025, Arizona’s Family reported Tuesday evening. Hundreds of additional deaths remain under investigation.
The county’s heat-surveillance program updates illness and death data weekly during the May-through-October heat season. Confirmed totals can continue rising after temperatures ease because medical examiners need time to determine whether heat caused or contributed to a death.
Heat-related illnesses can progress from cramps and exhaustion to heat stroke. Confusion, loss of consciousness, very hot skin or other severe symptoms require an immediate call to 911. Children, older adults, outdoor workers, people without reliable air conditioning and people with certain medical conditions face elevated risk during sustained heat.
What the warning covered
The warning that ended Thursday covered the Northwest Valley, Buckeye/Avondale, central Phoenix and North Phoenix/Glendale zones. Separate portions included the Tonopah Desert, Arlington, Wintersburg and other lower-desert areas of western Maricopa County.
The Weather Service had forecast afternoon temperatures of 105 to 109 degrees and Major HeatRisk across the metropolitan area. Outdoor workers and others spending extended time outside were advised to move strenuous activity to the early morning or evening, take frequent breaks in shade or air conditioning, wear lightweight clothing and drink water regularly.
Those precautions remain useful during above-normal temperatures after the formal warning expires. Pets should not be left in parked vehicles and need shade and water when outside.
Where to find cooling help
Maricopa County residents can call 2-1-1 for cooling-center information, transportation options, water and other heat-relief resources. 211 Arizona says live assistance is available from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily in English and Spanish, with other languages available through interpreters. Service locations and hours can change, so residents should verify a site before traveling.
Peoria’s seasonal cooling centers and hydration stations remain scheduled to operate through Sept. 30. Surprise also lists indoor cooling and respite locations, including the Surprise Resource Center and city libraries, through the end of September. The county heat page at Maricopa.gov/heat provides current regional information.
The National Weather Service Phoenix office updated its hazard map at 8:02 p.m. Thursday. Residents should continue checking that page because alerts can be issued or changed as conditions develop.
Featured graphic: National Weather Service Phoenix, Sept. 7, 2026. The official warning graphic covers the broader forecast area; the Phoenix metro portion ran Tuesday through Thursday.
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