Phoenix weather: Extreme heat watch follows storm risks
Phoenix weather is turning dangerous this week as an extreme heat watch covers southwest Arizona Thursday through Monday, with highs of 110 to 114 degrees, while a flood watch remains in effect Tuesday for northern and southeastern Arizona amid monsoon storms that can dump 1 to 2 inches of rain and trigger flash flooding.
Key Takeaways
- An extreme heat watch runs Thursday through Monday across southwest Arizona, including metro Phoenix, with highs of 110 to 114 degrees designated as First Alert Weather Days.
- A flood watch is in effect Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. for much of northern and southeastern Arizona, including Flagstaff, Payson and Globe.
- Showers and thunderstorms may produce 1 to 2 inches of rain, raising flash-flood and runoff risks along rivers, creeks and washes.
- Valley storm chances ease later in the week as dangerous heat returns into the 110s, local forecasts say.
What is the latest Phoenix weather forecast?
According to AZ Family First Alert Weather, Monday highs climb to around 106 degrees—near average for this time of year—with a 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms Monday night. The best storm chances sit across the higher terrain east of Phoenix.
Even if rain skips the Valley, outflow winds from nearby storms can still bring gusty winds and areas of blowing dust. Tuesday will be a little cooler, with highs near 103 degrees and a 30% chance of afternoon and evening showers and thunderstorms. Temperatures rebound to around 108 degrees Wednesday, with only a slight chance of an afternoon shower.
The Arizona Republic reported National Weather Service guidance that metro Phoenix highs would rise into the low 100s after cooler, stormier conditions kept temperatures a couple of degrees below average, with humidity elevated at times.
Why does the flood watch matter across Arizona?
AZ Family says the Tuesday flood watch covers much of northern and southeastern Arizona. Storms may produce 1 to 2 inches of rain, creating the potential for flash flooding and excessive runoff along rivers, creeks and washes.
FOX 10 Phoenix reported heavy Monday-evening storms tracking west and southwest across Arizona, bringing torrential rain, flash flooding, and quarter- to half-dollar-sized hail in places. The Valley could still see storms late Monday evening with blowing dust, damaging wind gusts and flash flooding possible, and rain lingering into the early Tuesday commute as overnight lows fall to around 85 degrees.
A flood watch remains in eastern and northern Arizona on Tuesday as more rain falls on saturated ground. Many High Country spots are off to a strong monsoon start; Flagstaff has picked up 2.74 inches of rain since June 15, well above the normal monsoon-to-date total of 1.47 inches.
How dangerous will the incoming heat get?
A warming trend sets in late this week, with highs climbing to around 110 to 114 degrees from Thursday through Monday. Those days have been designated First Alert Weather Days for southwest Arizona, including the Phoenix metro area.
If you spend time outdoors, limit prolonged sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., drink plenty of water, and take frequent breaks in the shade or air conditioning. FOX 10 likewise expects Valley temperatures back into the 110s, with extreme heat coverage Thursday through Monday across the Valley and desert.
Across the High Country, scattered showers and thunderstorms continue through midweek before becoming more isolated Thursday and Friday. For more forecasting and climate coverage, browse BlasterPost's Future Tech & AI Wonders section.