Higher temperatures returning to Phoenix area this week
Jul 4, 2017, 9:17 AM | Updated: 3:45 pm
(AP Photo)
(AP Photo)
PHOENIX — The break is over — temperatures in the Phoenix area will climb back above 110 degrees starting as soon as Tuesday, with a possible touch of monsoon later in the week.
The Fourth of July holiday could be as warm as 112 degrees.
The National Weather Service said it would be 116 degrees on Friday and an excessive heat watch will go into effect Wednesday.
A strong high pressure was working its way into the state, the weather service said, adding some moisture was already in the air. Humidity was at 33 percent early Tuesday morning.
Turning hotter as the week wears on; Friday could be the hottest day with excessive heat possible if it stays dry. Stay hydrated! #azwx pic.twitter.com/4dFxlwDIwQ
— NWS Phoenix (@NWSPhoenix) July 3, 2017
Is that you, Monsoon? Don't expect much for #Phoenix today but this weekend looks better. Data is experimental, not operation. #azwx pic.twitter.com/qEYSzu4ADN
— NWS Phoenix (@NWSPhoenix) July 3, 2017
Metro Phoenix has already endured a punishing heat wave. Temperatures topped at 119 degrees during the stretch that began June 16 and ended June 28, when the highs finally dipped below 110 degrees.
The first day of summer (June 21) was 119 degrees.
Several daily heat records were matched during the streak, although the record for hottest day, 122 degrees, wasn’t touched.
Valley residents suffered through 11 consecutive days of 110 degrees or higher. It was so hot American Airlines canceled 43 flights to Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport until things cooled off a bit.
The planes used for the airline’s regional flights were designed to withstand heat below 118 degrees.
The Maricopa County Department of Public Health officials said it was investigating the heat as a possible factor in 12 deaths in metro Phoenix.
