Actions

MOST ACCURATE FORECAST: Record warmth in the Valley continues

We're topping out over 80 degrees to end the work week.

By: Jorge Torres

Posted

and last updated

PHOENIX — Phoenix will stay in record territory as high-pressure builds in.

Record highs are around 78 or 79 degrees for the rest of the week and Phoenix is expected to hit the low 80s through Friday.

So far, we've had three days this month with highs in the 80s. If we add two more, December 2024 will be 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 could still break the record high of 78 degrees on Saturday.

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

As of December 18th, the overall average temperature in Phoenix this month has been 62.6 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.

Air quality will also be an issue the rest of the week.

The Maricopa County Air Quality Department has issued a "No Burn Day" for today and Friday, 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 Watch for Friday and Saturday.

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 70s this year for the holiday.

There's even a slight chance of wintry weather across the state on Christmas Day as a potential storm moves through.

Stay tuned to ABC15 for further updates.