Clouds and a few straggling showers are hanging over Phoenix Sky Harbor early Friday, with temperatures near 55°F and some light, spotty rain clinging to the nearby foothills. The wet start will not last long. By late morning, showers should shut off and most of the Valley will trade gray skies for sunshine and a mild afternoon. Highs are set to land near 63°F with light west winds, so midday errands and outdoor plans are in good shape.
Morning Showers, Clearing By Noon
Any lingering raindrops will stay mainly over higher terrain and foothills north and east of the metro, then taper off by late morning. Most spots will squeeze out less than a tenth of an inch, so this is more of a nuisance sprinkle than a soaking. Visibility and roads should remain generally fine for the commute. No watches or warnings are posted for the Phoenix area, according to the National Weather Service Phoenix.
Afternoon Into Tonight
Once the clouds clear, sunshine should dominate the afternoon with a high near 63°F and a light west breeze around 5 mph. Skies stay mostly clear into the evening, and temperatures dip to around 42°F Friday night. Winds become light and variable overnight, which will set up a notably chilly start to Saturday in the usual exposed and outlying spots.
Weekend Chill, Then Fast Warm-Up
Saturday morning, Feb. 21, is the one to bundle up for. With clear skies and dry air in place, temperatures will tumble. Higher-elevation communities east of Phoenix, including Tonto Basin and San Carlos, have a solid shot at reaching freezing or slipping just below it, and a few sheltered lower-elevation valleys could flirt with freezing as well. After that, the pattern flips quickly. High pressure builds over the region this weekend, sending temperatures well above normal, with highs jumping into the low to mid 80s by Sunday and climbing into the mid 80s to upper 80s by midweek, according to the National Weather Service Phoenix.
What To Watch
As temperatures spike next week, dry air will drive afternoon humidity down into the teens at times. That combination ramps up outdoor heat and fire-safety concerns for yard work and any burning, so it is worth double-checking local burning rules and using basic precautions. For a look back at the gusty conditions and midweek showers that clipped the valley, see our earlier coverage. Before heading out for travel or big outdoor events, check the latest forecast from the National Weather Service Phoenix for updates.
