Phoenix kicks off Wednesday, May 13 under mostly sunny skies with a high near 101°F — the tail end of a heat surge that pushed the Valley close to record territory earlier this week. Temperatures are trending downward from here, and the Phoenix weather forecast shows welcome relief arriving by next week. For now, smart morning timing makes all the difference.
Today’s Setup
A strong high-pressure ridge that fueled the early-week heat is pushing east while a weak shortwave trough nudges in from southern California, according to the National Weather Service. The result is noticeably cooler air compared to Monday and Tuesday, though 101°F still commands respect in the Sonoran Desert. Expect SSW winds of 0 to 10 mph to develop through the day, with afternoon readings potentially easing back to around 99°F.
Best Time To Be Outside
Early risers win today. Hikers at Camelback Mountain or South Mountain Park should aim to be on the trail before 7 AM and off by 9 AM. Golfers will find the same window ideal — Valley courses play fast and firm in the cool morning air. Upgrading your bag? Our Best Golf Balls for High Handicappers in 2026 guide is worth a bookmark, and Pinemeadow Golf wedges are a smart addition for tight desert lies.
Heat & Allergy Risk
No severe weather is in play — the Storm Prediction Center has no current outlook for the Phoenix metro, and the Weather Prediction Center puts flooding risk below 5%. The real concerns are heat and spring pollen. Desert winds stir up dust and allergens across the Valley, so if your sinuses are acting up, a saline sinus rinse Neti pot kit can help after time outdoors. Stay hydrated, never leave kids or pets in parked vehicles, and check on elderly neighbors during peak afternoon heat.
Events This Week
Tonight, Pennywise plays The Van Buren — fully indoors, so no heat worries. This Friday, May 15, the Phoenix Mercury host the Chicago Sky at Mortgage Matchup Center. Grab Official team gear on Fanatics before you head downtown, or Get tickets on SeatGeek if you still need seats.
On Saturday, May 16, the Arizona Juggernauts host the Cincinnati Slingers at Mullett Arena in Tempe — another great indoor option when afternoon temps are still in the upper 90s.
Looking ahead to Tuesday, May 19: the Demi Lovato: It’s Not That Deep Tour lands at Desert Diamond Arena. Find tickets on StubHub and pick up a Demi Lovato t-shirt for the full fan look.
Tonight’s Grill Plan & Next Few Days
Wednesday evening is prime backyard time — mostly clear skies and a low near 71°F by midnight. Fire up the propane gas grill for burgers, steaks, or chicken with corn on the cob. An instant-read meat thermometer ensures perfect doneness every time, and a grill brush and scraper set keeps your grates clean for the next round. Need ingredients? You can order groceries on Amazon and have everything for tonight’s dinner delivered to your door.
Thursday stays warm with a high near 99°F under full sunshine and light SSE winds. The National Weather Service expects temperatures to run about 5 to 7 degrees above normal through Saturday, then ease back to seasonal averages by early next week. A Pacific trough will bring breezy conditions through the Valley over the weekend, but skies should stay mostly clear and the desert stays dry.
