FORECAST: Record December warmth!

Temperatures are expected to drop a few degrees starting Wednesday as a weak storm system moves through. Expect Valley highs in the upper 70s for the rest of the week, which is nearly 10 degrees above normal for this time of year.

By: Ashlee DeMartino

PHOENIX — It's a warm start to December in the Valley!

Phoenix set a new record Tuesday with a high of 83 degrees. The previous record was 81 degrees, set in 1940.

Typically, the last 80-degree day of the year in Phoenix is around November 24. However, last year’s occurred on December 17, and the latest on record was December 30, 1980.

Air Quality issues in the Valley Tuesday and Wednesday, with spikes in morning particles, such as dust and smoke, to unhealthy levels. Maricopa County Air Quality has issued a NO Burn Days for the county for Tuesday and Wednesday.

Limit outdoor activities if you have any respiratory issues such as asthma and COPD. Do not burn wood in fireplaces, stoves or outdoor fire-pits. Do not use leaf blowers and avoid idling your car.

Temperatures are expected to drop a few degrees starting Wednesday as a weak storm system moves through. Expect Valley highs in the upper 70s for the rest of the week, which is nearly 10 degrees above normal for this time of year.

The area of low pressure may bring a few spotty showers to the high country and along the Mogollon Rim and White Mountains by midweek, but rain and snowfall totals are expected to be very light.

Early next week, low pressure will pass to our north taking a bit of the edge off our December warmth and bringing chances for snow showers to northern Arizona. Stay tuned for updates as we get closer.