Sunny skies are locked in over Phoenix, with highs headed to around 79°F this afternoon and the Valley riding a run of upper 70s to low 80s through midweek. The air will stay very dry during the day, while nights dip into the low 50s, a sweet setup for evening plans but not so kind to anyone trying to keep a garden alive.
Midweek Warmup And Record Watch
Forecasts call for temperatures to jump into the low 80s on Tuesday and push into the mid 80s by Wednesday. Forecasters say Phoenix has nearly a 50% chance to tie the daily record high of 86°F on Wednesday. According to the National Weather Service, a strong ridge of high pressure parked over the West will keep the region dry and warm through midweek.
Winds, Fire Weather And Outdoor Plans
East to northeast winds return by midweek and become breezier from Wednesday into Thursday, with gusts that could reach around 20 mph in some spots. That is enough to stir up dust and make yard debris more flammable. For more background on how this warm spell started, check out our earlier coverage of the start of this warm stretch. Afternoon relative humidity values are expected to tumble into the low teens, so it is a good time to hold off on open burning and stay extra cautious with grills or any spark-prone yard work.
What To Bring
Shift heavy outdoor chores to the cooler morning or evening hours, carry water if you are out and about, and give pets shaded breaks during the hottest part of the day. Secure lightweight patio furniture and other loose items ahead of the gusts, and be prepared for pockets of reduced visibility when dust picks up on breezier afternoons.
Looking Ahead
There are no watches or warnings in effect today, but long range guidance hints at a possible pattern change early next week that could bring noticeably cooler temperatures and at least some chance for precipitation. Forecasters at the National Weather Service recommend enjoying the dry, mild stretch while keeping an eye on updates in case that pattern shift takes hold.
