PHOENIX — It's been a hot week in the Valley, but changes are setting in as we get ready for an extended break from the triple-digit heat.
Valley high temperatures have been topping out in the low 100s all week, but will fall into the 90s today through the holiday weekend.
Valley highs will only reach the upper 90s through Memorial Day. Overnight lows will cool into the 60s to low 70s each morning.
Temperatures are dropping as a storm system approaches from the northwest. It won't move into our state, but it will bring stronger winds as it brushes by.
Wind will ease up for most of us on Saturday, but strong wind gusts are still likely in southeast Arizona where gusts could top out between 30 and 40 mph. That's increasing the risk for wildfires as conditions remain very dry in that part of our state. A Red Flag Warning is in effect for parts of southeast Arizona much of the day on Saturday. Remember to obey outdoor burn bans this holiday weekend.
Another storm approaches from the west early next week, bumping up wind speeds again and keeping Valley temperatures in the 90s through at least the first half of the week.
We're also still tracking a Flood Warning in effect for parts of the Gila River in southwestern Arizona as the flow increases due to water releases from the Painted Rock Dam. This warning has now been extended through May 30th. Do not attempt to cross any flooded roadways.
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2023 Rainfall totals:
Sky Harbor Official Rainfall: 2.88" (-0.02" from average)
Valley Average (Phoenix Rainfall Index): 3.36"
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2022 Rainfall totals:
Sky Harbor Official Rainfall: 5.78" (-1.44" from average)
Valley Average (Phoenix Rainfall Index): 7.02"
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Daily rainfall reports from all across the Valley can be found here.
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PHOENIX IS GETTING DRIER - LOWER RAINFALL AVERAGES NOW
Average Monsoon Rainfall in Phoenix (1981-2010): 2.71" of rain
NEW Average Monsoon Rainfall in Phoenix (1991-2020): 2.43" of rain
Average Yearly Rainfall in Phoenix (1981-2010): 8:03" of rain
NEW Average Yearly Rainfall in Phoenix (1991-2020): 7.22" of rain
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