Hotter temperatures, excessive heat watch expected as weekend rolls in

Kye Graves, Arizona Republic
Updated ·3 min read
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Hotter temperatures will persist throughout the Valley on Thursday, setting up an excessive heat watch that is expected to torch the Phoenix metro through the weekend.

According to the National Weather Service Phoenix office, the metro area woke up to a low of 79 degrees on Thursday — two degrees below normal — as high temperatures are slated to settle in the mid-to-upper 100s.

"It'll be a little warmer than Wednesday, still looking at a lot of sun. No chance of rain with high temperatures between about 105 and 108 degrees across the metro," Phoenix office meteorologist Mark O'Malley told The Arizona Republic.

O'Malley stated temperatures will continue to warm on Friday and into the weekend, with an excessive heat watch beginning on Saturday for the Phoenix metro area.

"Over the weekend, we're looking for temperatures across the metro between 110 and about 114 degrees," O'Malley said.

As of Sept. 5, Phoenix has now recorded 100 days of temperatures at or above 100 degrees on the year, according to the weather service statistics posted to X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter. With the current forecast, that number is only set to grow closer to its typical average of 111 over the last 29 years.

For context, 2020 had the most days of at or above 100 degrees, totaling 145 on the year, while 1913 had the fewest, tabulating only 48.

Following the weekend's blazing heat, temperatures will start to retreat a bit during the middle of next week, sporting highs in the lower 100s. Rain chances remain shallow however, with the highest probability coming on Tuesday evening at 10%.

According to the Flood Control District of Maricopa County, Arizona is on track to tally its 2023 monsoon rainfall totals ahead of 2020 in Maricopa County, while still producing a "very dry" year.

Hot weather tips

The Arizona Department of Health Services provided tips to prevent heat-related illness:

  • Drink water: It is recommended to drink at least 2 liters of water per day if people are staying inside all day. Those who spend time outdoors should drink 1 to 2 liters per hour they are outside.

  • Dress for the heat: wear light-weight and light-colored clothing. Sunscreen should always be applied to exposed skin and it is recommended to wear a hat or use an umbrella when outdoors.

  • Eat small meals and eat more often: They recommend avoiding foods high in protein that increase metabolic heat.

  • Monitor those at risk: Check on friends, family or others for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke.

  • Slow down and avoid strenuous activity: It is recommended to only do strenuous activity during the coolest hours of the day, between 4 and 7 a.m.

  • Stay indoors.

  • Take breaks when engaged in physical activity: Take a break in a cool place when doing activity outside on a hot day.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Phoenix temperatures continue to rise; excessive heat watch on deck