Central Phoenix is waking up to clear skies and a comfortable 73°F this morning, but it will not stay mild for long. The Valley is on a fast track to early-summer heat, with highs near 94°F on Saturday, May 2, and creeping up toward 96°F on Sunday, May 3.
Afternoon Heat
Sunny, dry afternoons will dominate the weekend. Relative humidity will tumble into the teens, and overnight lows will only dip into the mid-60s to low-70s. If you are planning to be outside, morning and evening will be your best bet for anything strenuous, when it will feel noticeably cooler than the mid-afternoon sizzle.
Sunday Winds Pick Up
Sunday will not just be hot. It will turn breezy too. By afternoon and evening, expect east-southeast winds around 5 to 10 mph, with gusts commonly in the 25 to 35 mph range across the lower desert. Ridgelines and typically wind-prone spots could see even stronger bursts.
Those gusty winds paired with low humidity may lead to elevated fire weather concerns across parts of the Lower Colorado River Valley. Check updates from the National Weather Service Phoenix if you live in a fire-sensitive area or are planning outdoor burning.
Early-Week Cooldown And Shower Chances
Relief arrives to start the workweek. Temperatures ease back on Monday, May 4, with highs near 85°F and continued breezy conditions, where gusts could reach about 20 mph.
A bit more moisture is expected to lift into eastern Arizona late Monday night into Tuesday, May 5, which could spark scattered light showers over the higher terrain. For background on the weekend warmup and local cooling resources, see yesterday’s Hoodline forecast Valley sizzles into 90s.
Late-Week Warming
Do not get too attached to the cooler start of the week. High pressure builds back in later on, sending highs into the mid-90s by Thursday, May 7, and pushing temperatures to around 101°F by Friday, May 8. The warmup will be fairly rapid, so anyone planning outdoor events next weekend should be ready for full-on heat.
What To Do
Hydration is key. Drink water throughout the day and try to avoid heavy outdoor work during the hottest afternoon hours. Secure or bring in loose outdoor items before Sunday’s gusty period to avoid chasing trash cans or patio furniture down the street.
If your job keeps you outside, shift the toughest tasks to early morning or evening when you can, and keep water, shade, and breaks in the rotation.
