30 people hospitalized for heat-related issues at Luke Days, Glendale Fire Department says

GLENDALE, Ariz. — Because of extreme temperatures, a popular Valley air show will be cut short. 

RELATED: Here’s everything you need to know about Luke Days 2026 at Luke AFB

Luke Days Air Show, which takes place every other year in Glendale, is a highly anticipated event in Arizona and includes performances by the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, and more.

But because of unexpected triple-digit temperatures, the event will have shortened hours on March 22.

General Ajax Berkland from Luke Air Force Base said that medical staff at the event contacted over 400 people at Luke Days on Saturday. 

The Glendale Fire Department told 12News that the fire department took 30 people to the hospital and contacted 130 medical patients, most for heat-related issues.

According to authorities, about 90% of the 400 people contacted were under the age of 12, over the age of 60, or had pre-existing medical conditions. 

The organizers of the event urge those who fall under these categories to consider staying home tomorrow. 

According to General Berkland, the temperature on the airfield can be about 20 degrees hotter than the outside temperature. He also warned that there is a one-mile walk from where the buses drop guests off to the entrance. 

“It snuck in on us,” Glendale fire told 12News.

Luke Days will start at 10 a.m. on Sunday, March 22, and end an hour and a half earlier than usual, at 3:30 p.m. The two events that will be shortened are the Thunderbirds and the Blue Angels, and dead time during the show will be cut. 

The organizers are also planning on adding more shaded areas.

“This is by no means to deter people from down to honor the men and women of the Air Force and the Navy,” Glendale fire said.

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