PHOENIX — We are headed into a Weather Action 4th of July weekend as heat alerts kick in across the Valley!
An Excessive Heat Watch is now in effect for the Phoenix metro area and most of southwestern Arizona from the 4th of July through next Tuesday. This will likely be upgraded to a warning as we get closer, too.
So, Thursday through Tuesday will be ABC15 Weather Action Days as a reminder to take action to keep you and your family safe during this dangerous heat wave.
Limit your time outside during the afternoon, stay hydrated with water and electrolyte drinks and never leave kids or pets alone in your vehicle no matter how quick the errand is.
Valley highs will soar to 115 degrees by the Fourth of July and stay at the level through the holiday weekend.
Phoenix highs will be flirting with records on Friday, Saturday, Monday and Tuesday. The current record highs for Friday and Saturday are both at 116 degrees, Monday's record high is 115 degrees and Tuesday's is 116 degrees.
Overnight lows will stay very warm too, only cooling into the upper 80s to low 90s across the Valley.
The warm mornings combined with the sizzling hot afternoons will increase the risk for heat illnesses, so make sure that you're staying hydrated and limiting your time outdoors during the hottest hours of the day. Keep an eye on kids and the elderly as they are more susceptible to heat-related impacts.
Excessive Heat Warnings are also in effect through Friday night for areas along the Colorado River in southwestern Arizona.
Another Excessive Heat Warning will be in effect for areas in northwestern Arizona, across Mohave County, from Thursday morning until Monday evening.
Monsoon moisture will be limited in the days ahead, but we could see a few showers and thunderstorms fire up again on Wednesday across eastern and southeastern Arizona.
The biggest hazards with any storms that develop across Arizona will be strong winds, dangerous lightning and small hail. We could also see downpours and areas of flooding, especially along burn scars, so stay weather-aware and remember to never attempt to drive through flooded washes or roadways.
Air quality will also be an issue through the holiday weekend here in the Valley.
Ozone High Pollution Watches are in effect for the Phoenix metro area Friday and Saturday. These alerts could be upgraded to advisories as we get closer.
If you have a respiratory condition, like asthma, bronchitis or COPD, you may want to limit your time outside or you may have difficulty experience chest pain, coughing, throat irritation, congestion or difficulty breathing.
Everyone should try to carpool, take public transportation or work from home whenever air quality alerts are issued.
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2024 Rainfall totals:
Sky Harbor Official Rainfall: 3.84" (+0.87" from average)
Valley Average (Phoenix Rainfall Index): 3.90"
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2023 Rainfall totals:
Sky Harbor Official Rainfall: 4.21" (-3.01" from average)
Valley Average (Phoenix Rainfall Index): 5.47"
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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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