Temperatures across the Phoenix metro remained below seasonal norms Thursday as a persistent breeze kept conditions cooler in many neighborhoods. A current temperature map showed numerous readings in the 70s and low 80s across the Valley even as the official Phoenix high reached 92 degrees during the day. The cooler pocket extended into higher elevations, where afternoon values climbed into the 60s and 70s while gusty winds made conditions feel breezier than the thermometer alone would indicate.
Current temperature map for the Phoenix metro showing many spots in the 70s and low 80s — illustrating the cooler-than-usual readings that are expected to continue into Thursday.
Winds were a defining feature statewide Thursday and are forecast to remain so into Friday. The Valley experienced gusts as high as 38 mph Thursday, while the high country saw even stronger gusts in the 30 to 45 mph range. Because of those stronger winds and drying conditions, a Red Flag Warning remains in effect across portions of northeast Arizona through 8 p.m. Friday evening. Local forecasts also call for a wind advisory for northeast Arizona on Friday as another day of 45 mph gusts is expected in parts of the high country.
Forecasters expect the winds to ease overnight Friday, with skies turning mostly clear and temperatures falling across the Valley. Early morning lows should drop to about 68 degrees Friday, and daytime highs will be slightly cooler than Thursday’s readings, with Phoenix forecast to reach near 88 degrees in the afternoon. Valley residents can expect gusts up to about 20 mph Friday, while higher terrain will continue to be breezy to windy, with gusts lingering between 30 and 45 mph across the high country. Isolated afternoon showers will be possible near the Kaibab Plateau and around Page, but most of the state should remain dry and mostly sunny.
Hourly wind gust forecast for Phoenix with gusts climbing into the 20s and peaking near 29 mph in the evening, highlighting the gusty conditions expected through Thursday.
The weekend is expected to bring a gradual lull in wind speeds and a notable warm-up. Forecasts call for sunnier, drier conditions statewide with a rebound in daytime temperatures. In the Valley, highs should climb into the mid-90s on Saturday and push into the low 100s by Sunday, returning the region to triple-digit readings under clear skies. While the high country will remain cooler than the Valley, gusty conditions that plagued the area earlier in the week are forecast to relax as the weekend progresses.
Thursday’s observations underscored the split in conditions between lower and higher elevations: Phoenix’s 92-degree high and gusts up to 38 mph contrasted with 60s and 70s readings and stronger winds aloft. Those stronger high-country gusts prompted the Red Flag Warning for northeast Arizona, reflecting elevated wildfire danger while winds and low humidities coincide. Wind advisories and elevated fire-weather concerns will remain a focal point for forecasters and land managers through Friday evening as another day of strong gusts moves through the plateaus and mesas.
Local public safety officials and fire authorities have distributed guidance on recognizing and responding to heat-related illnesses, information that remains relevant as temperatures climb again later in the weekend. Heat cramps typically present as profuse sweating, fatigue, extreme thirst and muscle cramps. Heat exhaustion can include headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea or vomiting and cool, moist skin. Heat stroke is defined by an elevated body temperature—often above 103 degrees—along with confusion or irrational behavior, dry and hot skin, rapid shallow breathing, a rapid weak pulse and potential seizures or loss of consciousness. Should anyone display worsening symptoms, medical assistance should be summoned without delay.
Recommendations for immediate aid include moving an affected person into shade or a cool location, cooling them with wet cloths to the neck, groin, armpits and head while fanning the body, and offering sips of cool water if the person is alert and able to swallow. For muscle cramps, gently massaging the muscles until they relax can help. Officials caution against giving anything by mouth to someone who is vomiting, unable to swallow or unconscious, and emphasize not underestimating the seriousness of a heat emergency. Preventive measures for outdoor activities include hydrating starting the day before exertion, wearing lightweight light-colored clothing and head protection, carrying a cell phone, hiking with a companion when possible and telling someone your route and expected return time.
State health authorities advise staying in air-conditioned buildings when possible, locating nearby cooling centers or hydration stations, avoiding outdoor exertion during the hottest portions of the day, and checking on at-risk friends, family and neighbors at least twice daily. Workers and recreational users are urged to drink water before, during and after outdoor activity and to monitor local UV index and heat-risk resources to make informed decisions. For current road conditions across Arizona, travelers are encouraged to call 511 or 1-888-411-ROAD (7623) for updates.