PHOENIX – After enduring weeks of record-setting heat, metro Phoenix is about to cool down in a big way. The Valley is expected to see its coolest weather in six months, starting this weekend, with a chance of rain in the forecast as well.
The National Weather Service (NWS) reports that the first cold front of fall will move into Phoenix on Friday morning, providing welcome relief after a streak of record-breaking high temperatures that lasted for three weeks.
Thursday’s high temperatures will still reach the low 90s, but by the weekend, the Valley could see highs drop to the low 80s and upper 70s, with nighttime temperatures dipping into the 50s for the first time since mid-April.
“This is a big change for Phoenix,” NWS meteorologist Katherine Berislavich said. “We’re looking at much cooler weather over the weekend before things warm back up by the middle of next week.”
Along with the cooler temps, Phoenix may also get some much-needed rain. There’s a 60% chance of showers early Friday morning, with rain most likely between 5 a.m. and 8 a.m. However, Berislavich cautions that rainfall totals won’t be significant.
“We’re only expecting around a 10th of an inch or less, but after such a dry monsoon season, any rain will be appreciated,” she added.
Phoenix experienced its seventh-driest monsoon season on record this year, with only 0.74 inches of rain from June 15 to September 30, far below the usual 2.44 inches. The last measurable rainfall at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport, which serves as the city’s official weather station, was recorded on August 22.
Although the cool front won’t last long—temperatures are expected to rise back into the mid-to-upper 90s by next week—this weekend’s reprieve will provide a welcome break for residents eager for cooler weather.
