Phoenix is starting Monday under mostly clear skies, but the bigger story is the heat: a long stretch of 109- to 110-degree afternoons is ahead. An Extreme Heat Warning is in effect across the metro area, with conditions dangerous enough to make routine outdoor plans risky. The warning begins at 10 a.m. Monday and continues through 8 p.m. Friday.
Monday and Tuesday are both expected to reach 110 degrees, followed by a high near 109 on Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service Phoenix forecast. Thursday through Saturday could again hit 110, while Sunday is forecast to reach 109. Rain chances remain close to zero early in the week.
Little Relief After Sunset
Overnight temperatures will stay unusually high, dipping only to about 89 degrees Monday night and 90 degrees Tuesday and Wednesday nights. Lows may ease slightly into the upper 80s later in the week, but that is still not much relief for homes, vehicles or anyone working outside.
Storm Chances Creep Up Later This Week
The lower deserts should remain mostly sunny through Wednesday, while storms are more likely over Arizona’s higher terrain. Phoenix could see a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 5 p.m. Thursday, with precipitation chances in the low teens Friday through Sunday. Any storms that develop nearby could also send sudden outflow winds into the metro area.
Heat Safety Takes Priority
Residents should move strenuous activity to early morning or evening, drink water regularly and take frequent breaks in air conditioning or shade. Heat exhaustion can progress to heat stroke quickly; anyone showing signs of heat stroke should be moved to a cool place and treated as a medical emergency by calling 911.
People without reliable indoor cooling can call 2-1-1 to locate free cooling centers, hydration stations, transportation help and other heat-relief services, according to Maricopa County. With triple-digit temperatures expected nearly every day through the weekend, the safest plan may be the least glamorous one: stay cool and keep outdoor errands short.
