Overview
- The National Weather Service projects unusually hot conditions in Phoenix next week, with roughly a 70% chance of exceeding 105°F Thursday and 85% Friday.
- Several teams have shifted day games to evening, including Athletics–Cubs in Mesa to 6:10 p.m. Friday and Reds–Cubs at Sloan Park to 6:05 p.m., with Goodyear games Friday and Saturday now 6:05 p.m. starts.
- The Diamondbacks say they will not change afternoon first pitches at Salt River Fields, citing ticket packages and corporate bookings, which teams can do because clubs set their own spring schedules.
- Ballparks are adding cool-down zones and misting systems, expanding free water and sunscreen access, and relaxing rules to allow sealed sports drinks.
- If temperatures reach the forecast, triple digits this week would arrive earlier than Phoenix’s previous earliest 100°F day on record, March 26, 1988.