Phoenix is in the furnace on Saturday, July 25, with afternoon highs headed for about 117°F and heat index values that could nudge 118°F. An Extreme Heat Warning is in effect through Monday, July 27 at 8 p.m., and overnight lows are expected to stall in the mid 90s, which means almost no break from the heat. The one two punch of near record daytime temperatures and warm nights sharply increases the risk of heat related illness across the Valley, so residents are urged to take the warning seriously and avoid long stretches outside during peak afternoon hours.
What To Expect Today
Skies stay mostly sunny through midday, with only a slight chance of showers or thunderstorms after about 5 p.m. Highs should top out near 117°F, then drift back only into the mid 110s late this afternoon. West winds will run around 5 to 10 mph, and the rain chance sits at a modest 10 to 30%. The official forecast and active warning come from the National Weather Service, which notes that heat index values may push toward 118°F this afternoon. Plan to cut back on outdoor errands and shift any strenuous activity to early morning or evening.
Late Day Storms And Wind
There is a small chance this afternoon and evening for brief storms that could kick out strong outflow winds from the surrounding mountain rim into the Valley. Those outflows can trigger gusts of 30 to 50 mph, sudden wind shifts, and pockets of blowing dust that quickly knock down visibility. Any storms that do pop up are expected to be short lived but can still produce gusty winds and brief heavy downpours in localized spots. If you are driving this evening, be ready for sudden gusts and slick patches where a quick shower has passed through.
Local Impacts And Resources
The City of Phoenix notes that selected trails, including Camelback Mountain’s Echo and Cholla routes and trails at Piestewa Peak, will close from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on days with an Extreme Heat Warning. The city also operates a heat relief network and cooling resources for residents. For details on closures, pools, and cooling sites, call 2 1 1 or check the City of Phoenix. Officials are urging employers and outdoor crews to schedule frequent shade and water breaks to cut the risk of heat related illness. If someone shows signs of heat stroke, such as confusion, loss of consciousness, or a very high body temperature, call 911 immediately.
How To Stay Safe
Reschedule strenuous outdoor work and exercise for early morning or evening hours, stay hydrated, and check on neighbors who are elderly or medically vulnerable. Never leave children or pets in parked vehicles, since interiors can turn deadly within minutes. Employers should provide frequent rest breaks and shade for outdoor workers, and residents without air conditioning should plan ahead to use cooling centers or public pools. Keep hydrated and know the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, and remember that heat stroke is a medical emergency.
Hoodline covered the broader heat setup earlier; this update reflects the active Extreme Heat Warning and much hotter afternoon highs now expected through Monday. Our earlier story on the developing heat setup is here: our earlier look at the heat setup.
