Phoenix, AZ – An unrelenting heat wave is baking the Valley as Phoenix braces for a high of 116°F by Wednesday, with an Excessive Heat Warning in place until 8 p.m. Thursday. Local residents are urged to limit outdoor activity, check on neighbors, and prepare for possible power outages as temperatures climb well above the July average.
According to the National Weather Service, the Excessive Heat Warning covers all of Maricopa County and remains in effect from 10 a.m. Monday through at least Thursday evening. Daytime highs will reach 112°F Tuesday, jump to 116°F Wednesday, and remain near 112°F Thursday, with overnight lows failing to drop below 86–90°F. The prolonged heat is expected to strain cooling systems, increase the risk of wildfires, and elevate health hazards for vulnerable populations.
The impact will be felt across metro Phoenix, including Glendale, Tempe, Mesa, and Scottsdale, where asphalt and vehicle interiors will reach dangerous levels within minutes. Drivers should watch for road buckling and avoid leaving children or pets in parked cars. APS and SRP customers are advised to minimize electricity use during peak afternoon hours to help prevent brownouts.
Anyone spending time outside should hydrate often, wear light clothing, and take frequent breaks in air conditioning. Schools and employers are reviewing heat protocols, while local cooling centers will stay open late through the duration of the warning.
The heat wave is expected to persist, with little relief overnight and daytime highs remaining near 110°F through Friday. Additional advisories are likely if the pattern continues.
Five-Day Forecast for Phoenix, AZ:
- Tuesday: Sunny, high 112°F. Light winds increasing in afternoon.
- Wednesday: Sunny and hotter, high 116°F. Heat warning. Low 90°F.
- Thursday: Sunny, high 112°F. Gusty winds up to 20 mph. Mostly clear night, low 88°F.
- Friday: Sunny, high 109°F. Nighttime low 86°F, clear skies.
- Saturday: Sunny, high 108°F. Low 86°F overnight. Heat lingers
