Phoenix already hitting annual average for number of 110-degree days

PHOENIX — It’s only July 14, but Phoenix is already approaching the annual average for days with temperatures of 110 degrees or higher.

Thus far in 2016, the National Weather Service has recorded a high of at least 110 degrees a total of 18 times.

The annual average for days with such extreme highs — 19.

440pm: Phoenix just hit 110 degrees for a high temp. That's 18 days of 110 or higher this year. Official annual avg is only 19. #azwx

— NWS Phoenix (@NWSPhoenix) July 12, 2016

Jessica Nolte said the Phoenix area will likely hit the average mark or surpass it, especially given this weekend’s forecast.

“At least through Sunday, we’re hovering around the 110, 111 mark,” she said.

Phoenix will see 110+ heat thru the weekend with Friday the hottest day. Expect moderate heat risks daily. #azwx pic.twitter.com/okAb3TVH5j

— NWS Phoenix (@NWSPhoenix) July 13, 2016

Phoenix opened summer by tying the record for the hottest average June temperature.

The average high temperature for Phoenix was 107.4 degrees, which tied for the fifth warmest June in city history.

In all of June, there were five daily records broken, with the highest temperature at one point reaching 118 degrees on June 19. That was the fifth-hottest day ever recorded in the city.

However, relief could be around the corner. The Arizona monsoon season could be poised to send storms rolling back through the Phoenix area as early as next week after a lull.

“Even though the moisture has disappeared for a short while, it’s bound to come back,” Nolte said. “It’s bound to bring all of the associated hazards — blowing dust, dust storms, lightning, downburst winds.”

KTAR’s Jim Cross contributed to this report.

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