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MOST ACCURATE FORECAST: Another day of record warmth with continued air quality issues

Temperatures are forecasted to fall out of the 80s today, but we could still break today's record high in Phoenix. While there's no rain in sight in the Valley, there are rain and snow chances up north starting on Christmas Eve.

By: Amelia Fabiano

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and last updated

PHOENIX — We will stay in record territory again today as high pressure remains firmly entrenched in Arizona!

This is expected to be the fourth day in a row of a record breaking high here in Phoenix. Our previous record on this date was 78 degrees set just last year. Our forecasted high today is 79.

So far, we've had 5 days this month with highs in the 80s. December 2024 is now tied with 1950, 1940, and 1939 for the second most 80s on record. The all-time record is seven days in December with highs in the 80s, which was set in 1980.

Even though temperatures will start to come down over the weekend, we're going to stay well above normal headed into the holiday week. After Saturday we will be close to record for Sunday and Monday but likely just shy of tying them.

Morning lows will still be chilly, dropping to the mid-40s to low-50s across the Valley, but even those temperatures are a few degrees above average.

As of December 19th, the overall average temperature in Phoenix this month has been 62.8 degrees. This is on pace to be the warmest December ever recorded! The all-time record is an overall average temperature of 61.3 degrees, set in 1980.

With the stagnant air due to high pressure, air quality remains an issue the rest of the week and weekend.

The Maricopa County Air Quality Department has issued a "No Burn Day" for today, which means that burning wood in fireplaces, stoves, and outdoor fire pits is prohibited.

The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality has also issued a High Pollution Advisory for Saturday and Sunday.

Air quality will be at its worst in the early morning and late night hours, so limit your time outside at that time of day if you have any kind of respiratory condition, like asthma, bronchitis or COPD.

Temperatures are expected to trend down as we head toward Christmas, but will likely still be in the low 70s this year for the holiday.

There's even a slight chance of wintry weather in northern Arizona on Christmas Day as a potential storm moves in.

Stay tuned to ABC15 for further updates.