Phoenix, Arizona Shatters All-Time Winter Heat Record as 2025–2026 Becomes Warmest Dec–Feb Period Since 1896
PHOENIX, ARIZONA — The meteorological winter of December 2025 through February 2026 has officially become the warmest winter ever recorded in Phoenix, setting a new benchmark in a climate record that dates back to 1896.
Data shows the average temperature for the season reached 64.0°F, surpassing the previous record set just one year earlier during the winter of 2024–2025.
New Record Surpasses Last Year by Nearly 3 Degrees
The previous record winter (2024–2025) averaged 61.3°F, meaning this past winter exceeded it by nearly 3 degrees — a significant jump in seasonal climate averages.
Here is how the top five warmest winters now rank in Phoenix history:
- 2025–2026: 64.0°F
- 2024–2025: 61.3°F
- 2014–2015 & 1980–1981: 60.6°F
- 2013–2014: 60.2°F
- 2017–2018: 60.0°F
The nearly three-degree leap above last year’s record is particularly notable in climatology, where even tenths of a degree can be significant.
Meteorological Winter Defined
Meteorological winter consists of:
- December
- January
- February
These three months represent the coldest portion of the year in most of the United States. In Phoenix, however, winter temperatures are typically mild compared to other regions — but this year’s warmth stands out even by desert standards.
Climate Records Dating Back to 1896
Phoenix’s temperature records extend back more than 125 years. Breaking a record in a dataset that long highlights how unusual the 2025–2026 winter season was.
The desert city, already known for extreme summer heat, experienced persistently above-average temperatures throughout the winter period, pushing seasonal averages to unprecedented levels.
Broader Implications of Persistent Warmth
While Phoenix commonly experiences mild winters, sustained warmth at this level can influence:
- Water demand
- Energy usage patterns
- Desert vegetation cycles
- Snowpack levels in surrounding higher elevations
Arizona’s winter climate also plays a role in tourism and seasonal migration patterns, with many visitors drawn to the region for cooler, comfortable temperatures.
What It Means Beyond Arizona
Although this record was set in Arizona, unusual temperature patterns in one region often reflect broader atmospheric trends.
Cabarrus County and North Carolina residents are no strangers to fluctuating seasonal patterns as well, especially during transitional years when temperature swings can redefine seasonal averages.
Phoenix’s record-breaking winter underscores how regional climate variability continues to reshape seasonal expectations across the country.
CabarrusWeekly.com will continue tracking notable national and international weather milestones that may signal larger-scale climate patterns.
