Overview
- Phoenix logged back-to-back daily records in the low 80s earlier this week, and forecasters say more record-level warmth is possible Sunday and Monday.
- Temperatures are running about 10–15 degrees above normal under a persistent ridge, with Valley highs near 80 and a warm, stagnant setup that elevates fire risk and may degrade air quality.
- Models continue to hint at a pattern shift around Christmas that could bring slightly cooler air and modest rain chances, though confidence and expected totals remain low.
- Northern Arizona will see gusty winds of roughly 20–40 mph into the weekend as a strong jet stream clips the region, and a white Christmas is unlikely except at the highest peaks.
- Holiday travelers heading to the West Coast should prepare for atmospheric rivers bringing heavy rain, mountain snow and strong winds, while Arizona stays mostly dry.