Seriously, don't. Today is not the day to try and "push through" a workout outdoors in Phoenix.
- Brutal, Deadly Heat: An Extreme Heat Warning is in effect until Saturday evening, with afternoon temperatures expected to hit a staggering 107 to 118 degrees. This isn't just uncomfortable; it's a major health risk for everyone, not just sensitive groups. The Phoenix Fire Department is literally pleading for people to stay off the trails after recent heat-related rescues on South Mountain.
- Unhealthy Air: We've got an Ozone High Pollution Advisory for today, meaning the air quality is "Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups." Combine that with a "Moderate" AQI for PM2.5 and previous dust activity, and your lungs will hate you.
- Trail Closures & Construction: Most major hiking trails, including those on Camelback Mountain, Piestewa Peak, and South Mountain, are closed between 8 AM and 5 PM due to the extreme heat warning. Oh, and for good measure, Cholla Trail on Camelback is shut down for a sewer project until August 28th anyway.
Today's Vitals
| Metric | Level/Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 33.9°C (93°F), feels hotter | Forecasted 107-118°F this afternoon |
| Condition | Clear | Sun beating down, no clouds for cover |
| AQI | 61 (Moderate) | Dominant Pollutant: PM2.5 |
| Ozone | High Pollution Advisory | Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups |
| Pollen | Moderate |
Extreme Heat Warning: Stay Indoors!
The National Weather Service has an Extreme Heat Warning in effect until Saturday, August 29th, with daytime highs predicted to reach 107-118°F. This is the kind of heat that kills; Maricopa County has already confirmed 81 heat-related deaths this year. Don't be a statistic. Reschedule strenuous outdoor activities for cooler months or stick to air-conditioned indoor workouts.
What Does This Mean For Your Workout?
If you were planning to hit the trails, particularly popular ones like the Echo Canyon or Cholla trails on Camelback Mountain, forget about it during the day. The city has wisely closed them from 8 AM to 5 PM, and honestly, even outside those hours, it's just plain dangerous. Phoenix firefighters were out there just yesterday rescuing hikers with heat problems on South Mountain. Do you really want to be "that person" making a first responder risk heat stroke to pull you off a mountain?
Your lungs aren't getting a break either. That Ozone High Pollution Advisory means if you're sensitive to air quality (and who isn't, really?), you should be limiting your time outdoors. Even if you're not coughing, high ozone can irritate your respiratory system, especially during physical exertion.
Ozone High Pollution Advisory Today
Sensitive groups (children, older adults, and those with respiratory issues) should reduce prolonged or heavy exertion outdoors. Everyone else, probably best to keep it mellow, or take it inside.
Look, I get it. We're runners. We like being outside. But sometimes, Mother Nature throws a fit, and today, she's throwing a full-blown inferno with a side of smog. Consider this a forced rest day for your outdoor ambitions. There are plenty of indoor options – hit the gym, jump in a pool, or just chill out. Your body (and the Phoenix Fire Department) will thank you.
Hydration is Key, Even Indoors
If you absolutely must be outside for even short periods, carry way more water than you think you need. Seriously, "turn around before you drink all your water" isn't a suggestion, it's a rule of thumb for survival here.
Data grounded with KESQ, Patch, ADEQ, and City of Phoenix from August 24-25, 2026.