Phoenix is experiencing record-breaking December heat as a strong ridge of high pressure dominates the region. Temperatures soared to 82°F today, shattering the previous record of 79°F set in 1950. The unusually warm and dry weather, with highs in the upper 70s to low 80s, is expected to persist through Saturday despite some cloud cover.
A gradual cooldown is anticipated this weekend as a weak system flattens the ridge, bringing highs down to the mid-70s—still about 10°F above seasonal norms. Looking ahead, a Pacific jet stream may bring more clouds early next week. By Christmas Day, temperatures could drop closer to 70°F, with slight rain chances in higher terrain but mostly dry conditions across the area.