Phoenix is waking up to clear skies this Thursday, May 14, with a high near 100°F and near-calm winds — conditions that call for an early start before the heat takes hold. The National Weather Service confirms temperatures are running 4 to 8 degrees above normal for mid-May, locked in by a persistent ridge over the Valley. Stay ahead of the heat with the full Phoenix weather forecast before you head out.
Today’s Setup
Expect wall-to-wall sunshine, a high near 100°F (temperatures briefly easing to around 98°F by late afternoon), and south winds only 0 to 5 mph. The dry air mass and clear overnight skies pushed the early-morning low to a comfortable 71°F — one genuine upside of desert heat. If you’re taking one of the Chase Field stadium tours today, the midday sun on the walk over will be intense; go early or bring a hat.
Best Window To Be Outside
Before 10 AM is your golden window. Hikers on Camelback Mountain or South Mountain Park should plan to be back at the trailhead by 9:30 AM at the latest. Golfers, today is practically built for you — low wind, sunny skies, zero rain. Bring a golf cooler bag insulated with plenty of water and electrolytes; you’ll earn every sip by the back nine. If you’re looking to step up your equipment ahead of summer rounds, check out our guide to the best golf balls for high handicappers.
Heat and Allergy Watch
With no precipitation and near-calm winds, desert pollen and fine dust are circulating freely today. Allergy sufferers should limit extended outdoor exposure between noon and 5 PM when heat peaks closest to 100°F. Stay hydrated and duck into air conditioning during the worst of the afternoon.
Local Events This Weekend
The Phoenix Mercury host the Chicago Sky on Friday, May 15 at Mortgage Matchup Center — an indoor game and a great excuse to beat the heat while catching live WNBA action. Get tickets on SeatGeek and rep the team with Official team gear on Fanatics.
Circle May 19 on your calendar: the Demi Lovato: It’s Not That Deep Tour rolls into Desert Diamond Arena. It’s an indoor venue, so no weather concerns — grab a Demi Lovato t-shirt ahead of the show.
Also this Saturday, May 16: the Arizona Juggernauts face the Cincinnati Slingers at Mullett Arena — another cool indoor option if you need a midday escape from the sun.
Tonight: Prime Grilling Weather
Evening temperatures drop into the comfortable low 70s, making this one of the Valley’s best nights to fire up the backyard grill. Go big with burgers, steaks, or grilled chicken alongside corn on the cob. A trusty instant-read meat thermometer takes the guesswork out of hitting the perfect temperature, and a grill brush and scraper set will keep your grates in shape all season. Need ingredients? You can order groceries on Amazon and have everything delivered straight to your door.
Next Few Days
Friday looks nearly identical — high near 99°F, sunny, light southwest winds. The National Weather Service signals breezy conditions returning this weekend, with critical fire weather conditions possible Sunday across Eastern Arizona higher terrain (not the Phoenix metro). Temperatures begin easing back toward seasonal normals Sunday into early next week — a well-earned cooldown after several days hovering near triple digits.
