Phoenix hits a mostly sunny 101°F today, Tuesday, after an overnight low near 86 with a slight chance of showers before sunrise — the bigger story is isolated storms that could fire up again this evening, so get outdoor errands done early and watch the sky if you’re out after dark.
Today’s Setup
The National Weather Service in Phoenix says a lingering disturbance may squeeze out a few isolated showers near sunrise, then skies turn mostly sunny with a high near 101°F and light south-southwest wind around 5 mph. Overnight lows only dip to 86 before creeping back up toward 88 before dawn — classic monsoon mugginess.
Best Window To Be Outside
Morning is your window, before the afternoon heat and any evening storm activity build. If you’re hitting Camelback Mountain or South Mountain trails, aim to be off the rock before 9 a.m. Evenings cool only slightly, so save yard work or a walk around Tempe Town Lake for right around sunset rather than midday.
Storm And Heat Risk
The NWS forecast discussion notes a complex of storms could approach the Valley’s lower deserts again this evening, with gusty outflow winds the main concern here, while heavier rain and localized flooding stay focused over the Arizona high terrain. The Weather Prediction Center has placed much of Arizona in a Slight Risk for excessive rainfall today, citing very high moisture (PWATs over 1.5 inches) and hydrophobic desert soils that make washes flood fast — avoid low-water crossings if storms roll through. Looking ahead, the NWS also flags Extreme Heat Watches building across the lower deserts for the back half of the week as hot, humid conditions take over.
What To Wear And Bring
Keep a packable rain jacket or compact travel umbrella in the car for pop-up evening storms, and start carrying a Stanley tumbler 40oz to stay ahead of hydration once the Extreme Heat Watch kicks in.
Games, Concerts And Dinner Plans
The Arizona Diamondbacks host the Athletics at Chase Field on Wednesday, July 22 — with the roof likely closed for the heat, it’s a comfortable night out; grab an Arizona Diamondbacks jersey or Arizona Diamondbacks fitted cap and find tickets on StubHub. Music fans have options too: Darius Rucker plays Arizona Financial Theatre on Thursday, July 23 (pair a Darius Rucker t-shirt with tickets on SeatGeek), and CA7RIEL & Paco Amoroso bring their Free Spirits World Tour to the same venue on Friday, July 24.
With storm chances lingering into the evening, it’s a good night to stay in for dinner — a slow cooker chili or beef stew fits the mood perfectly. A programmable slow cooker or enameled cast iron Dutch oven makes it easy. Need ingredients? You can order groceries on Amazon and have everything for tonight’s dinner delivered to your door.
Next Few Days
Wednesday turns hotter and drier with a sunny high near 105°F as the monsoon moisture starts to retreat, according to the NWS. Storm chances mostly wrap up by Thursday, but forecasters are watching an Extreme Heat Watch developing for the Phoenix area heading into the weekend — plan strenuous outdoor activity for early morning only once that kicks in.
