Weekend weather expected to flirt with record-high temperatures

 

An excessive heat warning has been issued again for the Maricopa area for 10 a.m. Thursday through 8 p.m. Monday, according to the National Weather Service.

Daily high temperatures are expected to be at near-record levels, between 110 and 117 degrees. Residents are asked to take special precautions for any outdoor activity during the day.

The main advice is to stay indoors, seek air-conditioned buildings, limit physical activity and drink more water than usual.

Thursday, the high is forecast to be 114 under sunny skies with only a light wind. The record high for the date is 115, set in 2012. The overnight low will be around 86.

Friday, expect another sunny and hot day with a high of 115. The record high for the date is 117, set in 2015. The night will be partly cloudy with a low around 85.

Saturday, again, will be sunny with the high reaching 113. The record high for the date is 115, set in 2015. The nighttime low will be around 85.

Sunday sees more of the same, a sunny and hot day and a high near 114. The record high for the date is 113, set in 2013. The night will likely be partly cloudy with a low of 84.

Monday is also expected to set a heat record with a high near 114. The record high for the date is 112, set in 2011. The overnight low will be around 85.

During a heat warning, there is a very high risk of heat-related illnesses, included heat stroke, which can be deadly.

The National Weather Service said Tuesday this summer is the hottest of all time in Phoenix – dating back to 1895 anyway – with an average temperature of 96 degrees. The average maximum and minimum temperatures also set records, at 107.9 degrees and 84.2 degrees, respectively.

Summer 2020 has also set a record for the number of days – 36 – where the temperature reached at least 110 degrees. That record is currently stretching by a couple of days every week, and this weekend looks to add to the total.