Phoenix started Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026, under clear, comfortable skies, but the city is headed for an unseasonably warm afternoon. Forecast highs are expected to climb into the low to mid 80s, around 85°F, under strong sunshine, with east to east-northeast winds building later today and continuing into Thursday morning, Feb. 5, 2026.
Afternoon Heat And Dry Air
The National Weather Service is calling for a high near 85°F, with minimum relative humidity dropping into the 10–15% range today, leaving the air very dry and quick to pull moisture from skin and lawns. That setup raises small-scale fire concerns for yard debris and means it is a good idea to stay hydrated and avoid the hardest outdoor work during peak sun, according to the National Weather Service Phoenix.
Winds Tonight And Thursday Morning
Easterly winds are expected to ramp up this evening as a low-level jet develops, bringing valley gusts of 20–30 mph and gusts of 30–45 mph over unsheltered ridgetops into Thursday morning, Feb. 5, 2026. Residents are advised to secure patio furniture, tie down grills, and use extra caution when driving high-profile vehicles, with the strongest winds anticipated overnight and during the late-morning mix-down. For background on the warm pattern through early February, see our earlier Hoodline coverage on near-record winter heat.
Weekend Outlook
Above-normal temperatures should hang on through the weekend, into Sunday, Feb. 8, 2026, with highs mostly in the upper 70s to low 80s. A pattern change late next week could bring cooler conditions and the first chance for measurable precipitation. Forecasters also expect cloud cover to increase on Thursday with slightly cooler daytime highs before temperatures rebound into the weekend, according to the National Weather Service Phoenix.
Plan Ahead
Relative humidity is forecast to recover somewhat to about 15–20% on Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026, and near 20–25% on Friday, Feb. 6, 2026, with lighter winds on tap for the weekend. If you have outdoor events or yard work scheduled, aim for morning or evening hours, hold off on any open burning, and keep water handy for both people and pets during the warm afternoons.
