Highlights
- An Extreme Heat Warning remains in effect for the Phoenix area and lower deserts through 8 p.m. Tuesday.
- Monday afternoon highs will reach 112 to 115 degrees in Phoenix, with Yuma and El Centro hitting 114 to 116.
- A Gulf surge arriving late Monday night will push heat index values to 111 to 117 degrees on Tuesday despite slightly lower air temps.
- Storm chances of 10% to 30% return to the Valley Wednesday through Friday, with risks of heavy rain and downburst winds.
An Extreme Heat Warning covering the Phoenix metro and lower deserts runs through 8 p.m. Tuesday, with afternoon highs Monday reaching 112 to 115 degrees in Phoenix and 114 to 116 degrees near Yuma and El Centro, according to Arizona's Family meteorologist Ian Schwartz. Morning lows will offer little relief, holding in the mid-80s to low 90s across the metro.
The more consequential threat arrives overnight. A Gulf surge, a strong push of low-level moisture from Mexico, is forecast to move into the region late Monday night into Tuesday morning, lifting dew points into the mid-60s to low 70s. That added humidity will push heat index values to 111 to 117 degrees on Tuesday even as actual air temperatures ease slightly to 107 to 113 degrees. The warning extension through Tuesday evening was driven by that moisture boost, Schwartz reported. The National Weather Service Phoenix office and KTAR both confirmed the warning and its scope.
Monday's main storm activity stays focused over eastern and southeastern Arizona, including the high country and San Carlos area. Strong thunderstorm clusters there could send outflow winds and patchy blowing dust west into Pinal County and potentially the outer Valley edges by Monday evening.
Mid-week brings a shift. As high pressure moves north toward Utah, easterly winds will push mountain storms into the lower deserts, with afternoon highs holding around 106 to 112 degrees Wednesday through Friday. Rain and storm chances climb to 10% to 30% for the Valley starting Wednesday evening.
Weather officials advise limiting outdoor exposure between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., staying hydrated, and never leaving children or pets in a parked vehicle. Storm chances increase through Friday.
Sources
Every factual claim in this article traces to one of the sources below. See how we work for the editorial process.
- AZ Family (3TV/CBS5) retrieved 03/08/2026 12:59
Authored by The Scottsdale Signal. Drafted by AI from primary-source material under our beat-specific editorial guides; reviewed by humans before publish under our five-gate process. Sources retrieved at 03/08/2026 12:59. Every claim traces to a source.
