Phoenix was clear and 75 degrees at Sky Harbor at 8:15 a.m. Thursday, and the valley will heat up quickly under a bright October sun. The high is expected to reach about 92 degrees, with sunny skies and no rain in the forecast.
The dry stretch is set to continue through at least the weekend and likely much of next week. A gradual warming trend will push afternoon highs into the mid-90s Friday and Saturday before Phoenix nears 100 degrees early next week.
Phoenix's late-season heat has precedent: the city's average final 100-degree day is Oct. 5, putting this week's forecast near the usual seasonal cutoff rather than signaling an unprecedented October spell. But highs in the upper 90s can still bring substantial afternoon heat across the valley. Phoenix's average last 100-degree day falls on Oct. 5.
Sunny Thursday Before Winds Pick Up
Thursday will remain sunny from morning through late afternoon, with winds shifting from calm to south around 5 mph. Temperatures should peak near 92 degrees before easing in the evening.
Thursday night will be mostly clear, with a low around 73 degrees. There is no meaningful chance of rain in the forecast.
Easterly Gusts Arrive Friday
Friday will bring another sunny day with a high near 94 degrees, but the wind will become more noticeable. East winds of 5 to 10 mph could produce gusts up to 20 mph, especially during the morning and midday hours.
The breezy pattern is expected to continue through the weekend, with gusts commonly reaching 20 to 25 mph and some locations in the broader region possibly seeing stronger morning gusts. Saturday should top out near 93 degrees, while Sunday is forecast to reach about 96 degrees.
Near-100-Degree Heat Returns Next Week
Monday will stay sunny with a high around 95 degrees, followed by another warm day Tuesday near 96 degrees. Wednesday could be the warmest day in the outlook, with temperatures approaching 98 degrees under mostly clear skies.
Overnight lows will generally remain in the mid-70s through the weekend before dipping slightly. For Phoenix residents, the forecast means plenty of good outdoor-weather hours early in the day, followed by increasingly hot afternoons and a steady run of dry conditions.
The NWS Phoenix's Thursday discussion lists no watches, warnings or advisories for Arizona or California. Still, the absence of an alert does not mean heat is harmless: the office says heat-associated deaths in Arizona can occur when temperatures reach the mid-80s, and its HeatRisk considers overnight lows and the duration of unusual heat as well as daytime highs. The NWS discussion lists no watches, warnings or advisories; the Phoenix Heat page explains heat risks and HeatRisk factors.
