News Summary
Phoenix is experiencing unusually warm temperatures, reaching highs of 91 degrees as Hurricane Priscilla approaches. An area of low pressure will bring breezy conditions and the potential for light rain. As humidity increases, rain chances may rise to 30% later this week, with significant rain expected over the weekend. Residents are advised to stay hydrated as an Extreme Heat Watch is in effect for central and southern Arizona, while preparations for possible flash flooding are also recommended.
Phoenix, Arizona: Unseasonably Warm Weather and Rain Chances Ahead as Hurricane Priscilla Approaches
Phoenix is experiencing unseasonably warm temperatures, with a high forecasted at 91 degrees today, which is 4 degrees above the normal for this time of year. High pressure over the Desert Southwest is pushing afternoon temperatures 2 to 10 degrees above average across Arizona. As the day progresses, expect a few afternoon high clouds to develop but little else until a change in weather arrives.
An area of low pressure currently positioned west of the Baja Peninsula is predicted to move through the Southwest tomorrow. This system is expected to bring breezy conditions, particularly in higher elevations, with noticeable gusts in the afternoon hours. While there are slim chances of rain in higher elevations, the Valley may experience brief, light showers tonight and early tomorrow morning. For those in higher elevations exceeding 8,500 feet, forecasted conditions include a possibility of snowflakes.
Following the passage of this storm system, a cool front will usher in slightly cooler air, with Valley temperatures anticipated to fall to the mid-80s on Thursday and Friday. However, high pressure will return over the weekend, which will result in a slight temperature uptick, keeping high readings comfortably below 90 degrees. Weather conditions will remain dynamic as another storm system is expected to move north of Arizona this weekend, bringing gusty winds to higher elevations on Sunday.
Humidity from Hurricane Priscilla is predicted to increase rain probabilities later this week. Following extreme heat earlier in the week—Phoenix notably reached temperatures as high as 99 degrees on Tuesday with low temperatures around 71 degrees by Wednesday morning—Wednesday is forecasted to be mostly sunny with highs in the upper 90s. Increased cloud cover is expected in the evening hours. By the afternoon and evening, the chance for showers and thunderstorms particularly around the White Mountains and east-central Arizona will rise. However, the Valley and most areas in Arizona are likely to remain dry through Wednesday with low humidity.
As humidity levels rise, rain chances will increase to approximately 30% in Phoenix on Thursday and Friday, with significant changes in weather forecasted for Thursday morning. Scattered rain is expected to move into the Valley, with widespread rain anticipated to persist through the weekend due to the remnants of Hurricane Priscilla.
This weekend, the potential for flash flooding will be elevated for much of Arizona, including the Valley. Heavy precipitation is expected Saturday, with some locations projected to receive over 2 inches of rain. Furthermore, an additional tropical system may follow Priscilla, hinting at further rain impacts for Arizona in the following week.
In anticipation of the extreme weather conditions, an Extreme Heat Watch has been issued for central and southern Arizona for Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, where temperatures may soar to between 106 and 116 degrees in those regions. Residents are advised to stay hydrated and limit outdoor activities during this heat wave. A wind advisory will also be in effect for northern mountains from late Wednesday morning through the evening, with gusts possibly reaching 40-45 mph.
Looking ahead, the weekend promises a sharp drop in temperatures, bringing highs into the high 70s as a strong low-pressure system sweeps in late in the weekend. The high country could also face major rain and wind conditions, with isolated thunderstorms possible over the coming days.
With the combination of extreme heat, potential rainfall, and wind advisories, residents are encouraged to stay informed and prepare accordingly for fluctuating weather conditions as Hurricane Priscilla and its remnants approach Arizona.
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Additional Resources
- Fox 10 Phoenix: Arizona Weather Forecast
- Wikipedia: Phoenix, Arizona
- AZFamily: Breezy Midweek Ahead
- Google Search: Phoenix Weather
- ABC15: Most Accurate Forecast
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Weather
- KTAR: Phoenix Forecast Cooldown
- Google News: Arizona Weather News
Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
