NWS Forecast Office Phoenix, AZ

A more active weather period is expected to start this afternoon as increasing moisture and instability, combined with an upper-level disturbance, will result in a greater coverage of showers and storms. The greatest coverage of activity is currently forecast across south-central AZ, and the eastern higher terrain. All thunderstorm hazards are on the table including heavy rainfall leading to localized flash flooding, strong to severe wind gusts, areas of blowing dust, frequent lightning, and even some small hail.

Strong high pressure over the Southwest will lead to abnormally hot temperatures continuing into the weekend with temperatures 5-7°F above normal. This will result in Major to Extreme HeatRisk across much of the lower deserts. The Extreme Heat Warning remains in effect through tonight for much of the area.

The increase in moisture and instability combined with an upper level disturbance will continue to result in good chances for thunderstorms and showers across South-Central AZ, and the eastern higher terrain. The main impacts from these storms will continue to be localized areas of heavy rainfall, frequent lightning, strong winds and dust. The timing of these storms are likely to remain in the evening to over night periods.

Strong high pressure will continue over the region over the next couple of days with well-above normal temperatures. The well-above normal temperatures will result in widespread Major to Extreme HeatRisk through Today with Extreme Heat Warnings in effect through 8pm MST/PDT Today. Temperatures "cool-off" to near to slightly above normal on Sunday and then near to slightly below normal on Monday with decent chances for Phoenix Sky Harbor seeing below normal high temperatures the beginning of next week.