Phoenix to finally cool down, highs to stay below 80 all week

PHOENIX — It may actually be time to pull the blankets out of that bin near the couch: Phoenix was expected to experience a cool down this week and highs should remain below 80.

“Through Wednesday, it will be in the low 70s,” National Weather Service meteorologist Andrew Deemer said on Monday.

Monday’s expected high of 73 was nearly 10 degrees cooler than Saturday’s record of 84.

At 16 degrees above normal, the high temperature so far today in #Phoenix was 84F which breaks the previous record of 81F set back on this date in 1940. #AZWX pic.twitter.com/roUKoWYaOh

— NWS Phoenix (@NWSPhoenix) December 2, 2017

Things will warm up slightly going into the coming weekend, but it looks like the 80s may be a thing of the past for this year.

“We’re going to creep up slowly closer to the mid- and upper 70s, which is still above average, but it could be worse,” Deemer said.

Last weekend’s heat was caused by a strong system that typically moves into Arizona during the summer months, not winter.

“It’s something that we see typically in June,” Deemer said. “We weren’t seeing June temperatures, but for this time of year, anything in the 80s is pretty unusual.”

Phoenix has experienced above-average temperatures since Nov. 5.

High temperatures in Phoenix have not been below normal since Nov 5th! Cooler temperatures are forecast this week although they are still expected to be 3-6°F above normal. #azwx pic.twitter.com/BpmzGq8C5V

— NWS Phoenix (@NWSPhoenix) December 3, 2017

During that time, the city had also not received any measurable rain. As of Monday, Phoenix had not recorded precipitation since Aug. 23.

It has been 102 days without rain here in Phoenix which ties the 20th longest dry spell! No precipitation is in the forecast for at least another 7 days. #azwx pic.twitter.com/roHGEWcbX4

— NWS Phoenix (@NWSPhoenix) December 4, 2017

KTAR News’ Kathy Cline contributed to this report.

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