Phoenix is waking up to clear skies and a temperature around 91 degrees Wednesday morning, but the real headline is still ahead: a brutal 115-degree afternoon. The overnight low is expected to hover near 90, leaving little relief before the furnace fires back up.
The National Weather Service in Phoenix forecasts sunny skies, light south winds of 0 to 5 mph, and a high near 115 Wednesday. The metro area remains under an Extreme Heat Warning through 8 p.m. Saturday, with afternoon temperatures generally ranging from 108 to 117 degrees and major to extreme heat risk.
Records Are Within Reach Wednesday And Thursday
Phoenix could flirt with daily records on both days. The forecast discussion gives the city about a 50% chance of tying the 117-degree record set in 2011 Wednesday and a 20% chance of breaking it, while Thursday’s 114-degree forecast has roughly a 50% chance of tying the 114-degree record set in 2023 and a 30% chance of surpassing it.
The First Monsoon Relief Arrives This Weekend
Friday stays sunny and near 112 degrees, but moisture begins returning by Friday night. The chance of showers and thunderstorms rises from 30% overnight Friday to 20% Saturday afternoon, then reaches 40% Saturday night and Sunday as highs ease to around 105 and 102 degrees.
Storms are not guaranteed in the Phoenix metro, and any rainfall will likely be uneven. Where storms develop, the forecast calls for roughly a tenth to a quarter-inch of rain, with locally higher amounts possible in the higher terrain.
Heat Safety Still Comes First
With overnight temperatures near 90 through Friday, residents should reschedule strenuous outdoor activity for early morning or evening, drink plenty of water, and take frequent breaks in shade or air conditioning. Maricopa County directs residents to call 2-1-1 for free cooling centers, transportation, water and other heat-relief help…