Needles Surpasses Phoenix as Hottest U.S. City in Scorching July

Needles, a small town of 5,200 located just inside the California border along Route 66, now holds a scorching record — the hottest monthly average temperature in the United States.

In July, Needles averaged a searing 103.2 degrees Fahrenheit, surpassing Phoenix’s previous highest average temperature of 102.7 degrees from last July, according to the Arizona State Climate Office. In a social media post, the department acknowledged Needles’ new title.

The same post also referenced Palm Springs and Blythe, welcoming these cities to the club of areas with average temperatures exceeding three digits for an entire month. “Welcome?” the post wryly noted.

Jan Jernigan, the mayor of Needles, wasn’t shocked by her town’s climatic feat. “We probably did (beat the record), quite easily,” she commented.

The intense heat is woven into the fabric of the town’s culture. During City Council meetings, guests are offered Red Hots candy from a basket marked, “Needles is Red Hot,” said Jernigan.

To cope with the extreme temperatures, city events are held early in the day. A recent food distribution event began at 5 a.m. and concluded by 8 a.m., before temperatures became unbearable.

A unique claim to fame for Needles is its mention in the “Peanuts” comics as the home of Snoopy’s brother, Spike. Despite the heat, the town draws tourists and residents to its three beaches on the Colorado River, noted City Manager Patrick Martinez. The city recently channeled $8.4 million in grants into infrastructure improvements, including park upgrades.

“You’ve got to be waist-deep in the Colorado River to stay cool,” Martinez advised.

In late June, the region’s intense heat contributed to a rare brush fire near Needles, which burned 70 acres and one structure before crossing into Arizona, scorching an additional 143 acres. Martinez shared that infrastructure upgrades included beach cleanups to lower wildfire risks, a critical measure during a particularly fire-prone summer. This year has seen fires burning 30 times more acres statewide compared to last year.

To mitigate the effects of the heat, the town operates a senior center offering water and a cool environment. The center, equipped with a generator, can serve as an emergency shelter during power outages to protect residents from overheating, said Martinez.

Mayor Jernigan emphasized that recent infrastructure improvements are just the beginning. “We still have a long way to go,” she said.