Forecasters have issued First Alert Weather Days for Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday as the Phoenix metropolitan area braces for a stretch of extreme heat that could produce the hottest day of the year so far. Temperatures are expected to climb into the 113- to 114-degree range during the peak of the week, and overnight lows will remain unusually warm, holding in the 90s and upper 80s and offering limited relief from daytime highs.
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First Alert Weather highs map showing statewide temperatures with Phoenix around 110°F — graphic illustrating the extreme-heat threat and potential hottest day of the year for the region.
The heat risk has intensified to what meteorologists characterize as a major category, meaning people without access to cooling or adequate hydration are likely to be affected. An extreme heat warning is in effect through Wednesday for the Phoenix area, and that alerting also extends to lower elevations of the Grand Canyon — specifically areas below 4,000 feet. For those same lower-elevation canyon zones, an extreme heat watch has been posted for Wednesday through Saturday and is considered likely to be upgraded to a warning as conditions evolve.
So far this year Phoenix’s thermometer has reached 112 degrees on two occasions in June, and forecasters say there is a distinct possibility the Valley could reach 115 degrees this week for the first time in 2026. Historical reference points included in the forecast notes show the earliest 115-degree day on record for Phoenix occurred on June 4, 2016; the most recent or latest-into-the-season 115-degree reading happened on Sept. 28, 2024. The potential to add another 115-degree day to that list is one factor driving the elevated alerts and the continued monitoring by weather officials.
Broadcast weather graphic for Sky Harbor showing a current temperature of 104°F alongside a First Alert Weather presenter — underscores rising heat and the issued extreme-heat advisories for Phoenix.
While the dominant weather story this week is oppressive heat, forecasters say there remains a chance for brief, isolated convective activity in other parts of the state. Monday evening could bring isolated showers and thunderstorms to the White Mountains and portions of southeastern Arizona, and a similar setup is possible on Tuesday. Those storms would be localized in nature rather than statewide, and they are expected to remain confined primarily to higher terrain and southeastern zones where monsoonal moisture can sometimes spark thunderstorms this time of year.
Heading into the weekend, guidance points to a modest easing of temperatures across Arizona. Highs are forecast to drift downward from the mid-110s to more typical summer values: about 112 degrees on Friday, 110 on Saturday, 108 on Sunday and roughly 105 by Monday of next week. That gradual reduction would bring conditions closer to seasonal normals after the extreme heat episode expected early in the week.
Meteorologists are watching the position and strength of a persistent ridge of high pressure that has been responsible for the recent heat. If that ridge shifts northeast over the weekend, it could allow for an uptick in moisture from the south. Such a shift would increase the chance for showers and thunderstorms across parts of the state early next week, though forecasters emphasize any change in the pattern depends on the eventual movement of the ridge.
Weather officials continue to issue alerts and updates as conditions warrant and advise residents to stay informed through local weather channels and mobile alerts. The First Alert Weather app is available for people who want real-time updates, forecasts and notifications tied to heat warnings and other weather advisories as the situation develops.
On July 6, NWS Phoenix reported the metro area reached 110°F under clear skies, running 3 degrees above normal, as the high-pressure ridge builds toward the midweek peak with Major HeatRisk expected across lower deserts and some higher terrain. (@NWSPhoenix)
Maricopa County and the Maricopa Association of Governments launched the 2026 Heat Relief Network on May 1, activating roughly 150 cooling centers, hydration stations and respite sites Valleywide and offering a 24-hour downtown cooling center; residents needing transportation or help locating a site can call 2-1-1.
The City of Phoenix’s 2026 Heat Response Plan expanded cooling-center hours and partnerships this summer, including extended-hour and overnight locations and coordinated outreach with nonprofits (including referral services through UMOM) to connect people at cooling sites with shelter and other resources.
Local utilities have been urging conservation during the heat episode: Arizona Public Service and Salt River Project implemented public requests for customers to reduce electricity use during peak hours, and both maintain policies that limit or halt disconnections during extreme-heat conditions to protect customers.
Phoenix closes several popular hiking trails during days when the National Weather Service issues extreme heat warnings and prohibits dogs on city trails once temperatures reach 100°F, measures the city uses to reduce heat-related injuries for visitors and pets.