Clear skies and barely a whisper of wind gave Phoenix a surprisingly cool start on Wednesday, with sunrise temperatures near 63°F. That chill will not last long. Highs are headed into the mid-80s today and are on track to hit the triple digits by the weekend, so it is a good week to schedule outside time for the early hours and hunt for shade later in the day.
Forecasters expect sun-filled skies through Thursday, with a high near 84°F on Wednesday and around 94°F on Thursday. Winds should stay under about 5 mph, which means the Valley heats up quickly without much breeze to take the edge off. Humidity is projected to drop into the teens by Thursday, which can ramp up heat stress for anyone working or exercising outside, according to the National Weather Service Phoenix office.
Weekend Heat Surge
By Friday, temperatures are expected to top 100°F and then hold in the low 100s through the weekend, with forecasts near 102–104°F on both Saturday and Sunday and a possible spike to around 107°F early next week. Outlooks highlight a widespread Moderate HeatRisk for the weekend and the potential for Major HeatRisk by Monday or Tuesday as overnight lows stay warmer than usual. That setup creates extra concern for outdoor workers, older adults, and anyone without steady access to air conditioning.
Tonight's Smoke Risk
Light winds may drag smoke from a brush fire near Buckeye into parts of the Valley this evening, with the forecast calling for "areas of smoke" roughly between 9 p.m. and 1 a.m. If that smoke slides in, drivers can expect reduced visibility near sunset and into the evening commute, and people with breathing issues should cut back on outdoor time and keep an eye on local air quality updates.
Heat Relief Resources
Maricopa County and its regional partners have activated the Heat Relief Network of cooling centers, hydration stations, and respite sites around the Valley. Residents who need a ride to one of these locations can call 2-1-1 for help. A county notice and interactive map with locations and hours is available at Maricopa County. Drink plenty of water, move heavy tasks to the morning, and check on neighbors who might struggle with the heat.
The simple takeaway: enjoy the clear, cooler mornings while you can and treat the rest of the week like high summer. Expect pleasant starts, hot afternoons, and a very real shot at triple-digit highs as the weekend rolls in. Updates will follow if heat watches or warnings are issued. For now, keep water nearby and shift any long outdoor plans to the bookends of the day.
