Phoenix is waking up warm and breezy Thursday, with temperatures around 88 degrees early and a sunny start ahead of a 102-degree afternoon. A few showers or thunderstorms could pop up after 5 p.m., but most of the Valley will likely stay dry.
A pre-dawn reading at Phoenix Sky Harbor showed northwest winds near 29 mph, though winds are expected to settle into a lighter south wind later Thursday. The National Weather Service says the best storm chances will be east of Phoenix, especially near foothills and higher terrain, while isolated activity cannot be ruled out in the metro area.
Storm Chances Stay Spotty
Thursday night brings a 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms, with a low near 82 degrees. Storm chances remain possible into early Friday, when gusts could reach 20 mph and any stronger cell could bring a burst of wind or a localized downpour.
Friday will again reach about 102 degrees before skies turn sunny for much of the day. Saturday looks mostly sunny with a high near 101, although another slight chance of evening showers and thunderstorms is in the forecast.
Heat Barely Lets Up Into The Holiday
The long holiday weekend trends hotter, with highs near 103 degrees Sunday and 104 degrees on Labor Day. Overnight lows will offer only limited relief, staying between roughly 83 and 85 degrees from Saturday night through Monday night.
Rain Odds Improve Next Week
Tuesday remains hot at about 104 degrees, with a slight chance of late-day storms and a 30% chance Tuesday night. Wednesday reaches near 103 degrees with the week’s better rain odds so far, including a 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms.
For the Phoenix metro area, rainfall totals are expected to remain light through the weekend, generally below a tenth of an inch. The better chance for meaningful rain will be over higher terrain and areas east and southeast of the city.
Plan Around The Afternoon Heat
With several days near or above 100 degrees, outdoor plans are safest in the morning or after sunset, and people should bring water for themselves and their pets. The City of Phoenix says its cooling centers and heat-relief sites are free and open to the public, with no identification required; its 24/7 heat respite and navigation center is at 20 W. Jackson Street.
No watches or warnings are currently listed for the Phoenix area. Still, residents should keep an eye on changing storm conditions Thursday evening and Friday, when a brief gusty shower could make roads slick and visibility drop quickly.
