NWS Forecast Office Phoenix, AZ

High pressure over the region will keep high temperatures well-above normal today leading to widespread Moderate HeatRisk with areas of Major HeatRisk. A very gradual cooling trend is expected by this weekend. Practice smart heat safety by drinking plenty of water and electrolytes and reducing your time outside during the afternoons.

Extreme heat is dangerous, especially in urban centers where the heat island effect is most impactful. Keep yourself and your loved ones safe during this stretch of hot weather and stay indoors in the A.C. if possible.

A more active monsoonal pattern is likely to setup over the Desert Southwest, especially heading into this weekend and next week. Through Saturday, any storm activity will be confined mainly across the higher terrain areas of eastern and southeastern AZ with the potential for outflow boundaries to impact the lower deserts with gusty winds and patchy blowing dust. Thereafter, as high pressure shifts to the northeast into the Rockies and Plains Sunday into early next week, enhanced moisture influx into the Desert Southwest is expected. This will lead to a much more favorable pattern for storm activity to become more widespread and affect the lower deserts.