Phoenix wakes up in the low 70s under mostly cloudy skies this morning, but the calm start will not last long. Temperatures are expected to climb quickly into the mid‑90s, with a forecast high near 95°F this afternoon. Isolated showers or brief thunderstorms are possible over higher terrain, and any storms that form could send out localized gusty outflow winds and pockets of dust late in the day. A noticeable cooldown is still on track for Tuesday into Wednesday.
Afternoon Heat And Storm Chances
Highs will top out near 95°F across the Valley, several degrees above normal for late March and close to the daily record of 97°F set in 2004. Forecasters say the best chance for isolated showers or a few thunderstorms will be across far southern Maricopa County into western Pinal County and the higher terrain north and east of the metro. Any storms could produce gusty outflow winds up to around 40 mph. A shortwave arriving Tuesday night into Wednesday should drop highs into the mid‑80s by Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service.
Local Impacts
The heat is already shaking up plans. Several Cactus League spring‑training games have been moved out of afternoon slots to avoid peak heat, and ballparks are adding hydration stations and altered entry policies. Venues and event organizers are shifting activity times to protect fans and workers, and cooling‑center lists are available for residents who need AC. Those schedule moves were reported by the Associated Press.
Plan For The Heat
If you will be outside, try to schedule strenuous tasks for early morning or after sunset, drink water frequently, and never leave people or pets in parked cars. Be ready for sudden gusty outflow winds late in the afternoon that can drop visibility with blowing dust and complicate commutes. At the time of publication there are no heat watches or warnings for the metro, but conditions will still be hazardous for heat‑sensitive people, so check with local officials if you need cooling resources.
Outlook
A brief cool‑down on Tuesday and Wednesday will provide some relief before temperatures rebound into the low‑to‑mid 90s over the weekend. Daytime breeziness and low afternoon humidity through Friday will raise fire‑weather concerns for brush and open‑burning, so avoid outdoor burning and be cautious with any spark‑producing equipment.
