PHOENIX — A mid-October heat wave is sending temperatures soaring to nearly 15 degrees above normal across Arizona!
Phoenix set a new record on Monday afternoon with a high of 105 degrees. The old record was 102 degrees set in 2020.
This is also the latest Phoenix has ever hit 105 degrees or more. The previous latest was October 10th, 1991.
We'll stay in record-territory throughout the week as highs continue to climb into the low 100s and early morning lows only drop into the 70s.
We could set another record right from the start on Tuesday. Our forecast low is just 76 degrees in Phoenix. The current record warm low is 72 degrees set in 2017.
Remember to watch for signs of heat-related illness as temperatures creep back up. Drink plenty of water, take breaks from the heat and limit outdoor activities between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m.
On average, our last triple-digit day is around October 5th but we have seen triple digits all the way into late October before. The latest ever recorded was October 27, 2016.
Phoenix has now had 128 days this year at 100 degrees or more. That ties for the fourth most on record. The average number is 111 days and the all-time record is 145 days, set back in 2020.
With 100s in the forecast for several more days this year, 2023 will likely slide into the third-place spot for the most triple-digit days ever recorded.
The Valley will stay dry this week, but there is a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms along the Mogollon Rim and across southeastern Arizona on Tuesday.
Those spots will dry out again on Wednesday and stay dry through the weekend.
As high pressure breaks down over the weekend, temperatures will drop. Valley highs will fall into the mid to upper 90s, giving us a much needed break from the triple digit heat.
Then, our next storm system will move in from the Pacific Northwest on Monday, kicking up our winds and bringing a big dose of cooler air.
Valley highs will drop into the upper 80s on Monday and we may even see a few rain showers across Arizona. Stay tuned for updates as we get closer.
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MONSOON 2023 WRAP-UP:
Monsoon 2023 officially ended on September 30th and it's going down as the driest on record with only 0.15 inches of rain at Phoenix Sky Harbor.
The previous record was set back in 1924 when we measured 0.35 inches of rain.
Monsoon 2023 was also the second driest monsoon on record for all of Maricopa County.
It was an incredibly hot monsoon, too.
Phoenix hit 110 degrees or hotter 55 days this year, breaking the old record of 53 days set in 2020.
Phoenix hit 115 degrees or hotter 22 days this year. That too is a new all-time record, topping the previous one of 14 days set in 2020.
When it comes to overnight temperatures, Phoenix had 35 days this year with lows in the 90s. The previous record was 28 days set in 2020.
September 10th this year also marked the latest day in any year with a low in the 90s. Previously the record was September 7, 2019.
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2023 Rainfall totals:
Sky Harbor Official Rainfall: 3.03" (-2.62" from average)
Valley Average (Phoenix Rainfall Index): 4.17"
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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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