Saturday, Feb. 21 started out with a bit of a fake-out across Phoenix. Sky Harbor and neighborhood thermometers slipped into the low 40s in the morning, the coldest readings of the month so far, making it feel more like winter than what is coming next. That chill is already on the way out, with strong afternoon sun pushing highs to around 72°F today and a much more intense warm-up lined up for Sunday and the workweek.
Weekend Snapshot
For Saturday, plan on mostly sunny skies and light east to northeast winds, with afternoon highs near 72°F and overnight lows dropping into the low 50s. Sunday cranks things up a notch. Expect mostly sunny conditions, a high near 82°F, and east to northeast winds of 5 to 10 mph with gusts up to about 20 mph in more exposed spots. For more background on how we got here, check out how the desert heat charges back next week.
Record Watch And Week Ahead
A broad ridge of high pressure is setting the stage for a rapid warm-up early next week, sending lower-desert highs into the upper 80s to near 90°F by the middle and latter part of the week. Those numbers are more typical of April or May than late February. The National Weather Service Phoenix notes that daily record highs for the final days of February in the city sit in the 89 to 92°F range, so the Valley has a legitimate shot at flirting with or even breaking records later in the week. Winds should stay mostly on the light side, although occasional easterly gusts in the mornings can make the afternoon heat feel a bit more intense than the thermometer might suggest.
What To Watch
There are no watches or warnings in effect at the moment, but the combination of dry air and afternoon heat will push humidity down into the teens at times, which can be tough on anyone spending long hours outside. If you have outdoor work or workouts planned later in the week, try to schedule the heaviest tasks for early morning or evening, keep water handy, and check on vulnerable neighbors and pets during the hottest part of the day. It is also a good idea to secure loose outdoor items ahead of Sunday mornings gusty winds and to follow local burn rules if your yard work involves any open flames.
