Clear skies greeted Phoenix this morning, and temperatures were already pushing 706F at Sky Harbor as the Valley stares down a late-March heat spike. Forecasters are calling for highs near 996F on Wednesday, March 25, about 1006F on Thursday, March 26, and around 1016F on Friday, March 27. That keeps daytime readings roughly 20206 above normal for late March and brings a real shot at tying or breaking daily records across the lower deserts. If you have to be outside in the afternoon, plan on shifting strenuous activity to the cooler early hours or evening and keep water close.
Heat Through Friday
The hottest stretch holds through Friday, with nearly wall-to-wall sunshine and light winds helping the dry air bake the metro. The National Weather Service says a stubborn ridge of high pressure will keep widespread triple3digit highs in place and could nudge daily records on several dates, according to the National Weather Service. Overnight lows will linger in the mid-to-upper 60s, which means even the nights will feel warmer than many residents would like.
Cooling Help And Safety
City services and regional heat-relief sites are geared up if you need air conditioning or water, with many library branches and respite centers offering extended hours during significant heat events. The City of Phoenix maintains a map of open cooling centers and hydration stations across the Valley for residents without reliable AC, according to the City of Phoenix. If you or a neighbor is vulnerable to heat, call 311 or check the city map before heading out so you know exactly where to go.
Weekend Winds And Slight Relief
A passing system over the weekend looks set to kick up the breeze on Saturday, with east-southeast winds generally 515 mph and gusts up to 25 mph in the lower deserts. Higher terrain east of the Phoenix metro could see gusts topping 35 mph, though the strongest bursts should stay focused over the ridgelines, according to the National Weather Service. Some added clouds and a modest bump in moisture late Sunday into early next week should trim a few degrees off the afternoon highs and bring only a slight chance of showers in the high country.
What To Do Now
For now, move long runs, heavy yard work, and big outdoor projects into the coolest part of the day, keep an eye on cooling-center hours if your AC is unreliable, and factor in the gusty weekend winds when securing tarps, umbrellas, and patio furniture. We flagged this pattern in our March 11 roundup; check our March 11 roundup for background and more on the city's heat response. Keep watching local forecasts for any last-minute shifts before locking in your afternoon plans.
