Phoenix is waking up warm and calm today, with clear skies and the airport checking in around 63°F early this morning. That number will not stay low for long. Afternoon highs are expected to climb to near 80°F, roughly 8 to 12 degrees hotter than typical for early February. The air stays dry, humidity stays low, and breezy east winds will crank up through the morning. No watches or warnings are posted anywhere across the Valley.
What To Expect Today
The National Weather Service in Phoenix is calling for mostly sunny skies with a high near 80°F and only a trace chance of any precipitation. East winds should run around 5 to 10 mph for most spots, with some gusts near 20 mph. Higher terrain could see stronger gusts as the morning goes on. Forecasters expect these above-normal temperatures to stick around through the weekend, with a shift in the weather pattern late next week that may finally cool things down and bring a small chance of rain.
Morning Gusts And Fire Weather
The strongest winds are expected during the morning hours, especially over the lower deserts, where gusts of 25 to 35 mph are possible. Ridgetops could see gusts closer to 35 to 45 mph at times, which will make exposed ridgelines feel especially blustery. Minimum relative humidity values are projected to drop to 15 to 20 percent, which is low enough to raise elevated fire-weather concerns, although no fire weather advisories are in effect. It is a good idea to secure lightweight patio furniture and plan for some extra wind if you have outdoor activities during the late-morning peak.
Weekend Outlook
High temperatures are forecast to hold in the upper 70s to low 80s through Sunday and into Monday, keeping the region several degrees warmer than seasonal averages. Forecast models are hinting at a troughing pattern late next week that could knock temperatures back down and introduce a chance of showers. The timing and strength of that system are still uncertain, so for now the expectation is more dry, sunny weather through the weekend.
What To Do
If you or someone you know is sensitive to heat, it is a good plan to schedule outdoor activities for the morning or evening and stay hydrated, even though it is only early February. The City of Phoenix keeps information on cooling resources available year-round. For community cooling centers and other heat-related help, check the City of Phoenix. It is also worth keeping an eye on local forecasts if you have outdoor plans lined up for the weekend.
