Phoenix hits 100 degrees for first time in 2016, but heat won’t stick around
May 4, 2016, 1:32 PM
(StockSnap Photo)
PHOENIX — Your car thermometer isn’t wrong: Phoenix officially recorded its first day of 2016 with a temperature of at least 100 degrees on Wednesday.
At 100PM Phoenix hit 100F for the first time in 2016! Its time to celebrate by popping open a bottle of water! #azwx pic.twitter.com/NLxx0TaTO5
— NWS Phoenix (@NWSPhoenix) May 4, 2016
Earlier this week, the National Weather Service thought we may just miss the mark, but later changed its tune as we moved closer to Wednesday.
According to the weather service, the Valley typically sees its first 100-degree day about May 12, meaning we’re a little ahead of the curve this year.
But things could be worse. In 1988, the mercury hit 100 degrees on March 26. Something tells us lawn seats at spring training weren’t in very high demand at that point.
But, as is the way with the world, they could be better: The latest recorded date for Phoenix to hit 100 was June 18, way back in 1913.
The high temperatures are not expected to linger, as a storm moving into Arizona will send temperatures back below 80 degrees by Friday.
“There’s a slight chance of rain Friday,” Jessica Nolte with the weather service said. “It won’t be overly wet in terms of heavy rainfall. There could be heavier rainfall in the mountains outside of the Valley.”
The system will also bring some strong winds to the state on Thursday, prompting some concerns of wildfires and low visibility on Arizona highways.
KTAR’s Jim Cross contributed to this report.