Phoenix Braces for Intense Weekend Heat as Temperatures Climb Above 110 Degrees

Rising Heat Grips the Valley as Summer Intensifies

Phoenix is heading into a dangerously hot weekend, with temperatures projected to surge well beyond seasonal norms. Following a week of triple-digit highs, residents in the Valley can expect even hotter conditions as a ridge of high pressure settles over the region, pushing thermometers into the 106 to 110-degree range.

On Friday, temperatures hovered around 103°F, which is typical for early June. However, meteorologists warn that starting Saturday, the Valley will begin to feel the full force of this high-pressure system, leading to a significant spike in daytime heat through early next week.

Forecast Predicts Peak Heat by Sunday and Monday

The upcoming days will see relentless sun and climbing temperatures:

Saturday: Sunny skies with highs near 105°F and overnight lows dipping to 77°F.

Sunday: A potential peak day with highs around 106°F and a 30–50% chance that Phoenix could hit or exceed 110°F—the hottest day of the year so far. Southeastern Arizona faces even higher risks, with a 40–70% chance of reaching 110°F or more.

Monday to Wednesday: Daily highs will hover around 106–107°F, with mild overnight lows in the 80°F range. Winds will remain calm to light and variable, offering little relief from the heat.

Although a slight cooldown is expected later in the week as the ridge weakens, conditions will remain dry and hot, reinforcing the need for heat precautions.

Cooling Centers Offer Lifesaving Relief Across the Valley

With temperatures expected to remain well above normal, Maricopa County's network of more than 200 cooling centers is now operational, providing critical relief for vulnerable residents—especially the unhoused and those without reliable access to air conditioning.

Arene Rushdan, community resilience program manager with the Arizona Faith Network, emphasized the ongoing expansion and evolution of these centers. “We currently operate 10 centers,” she said. “We always strive for more, and there’s always room for improvement.”

Some centers now feature nursing students fulfilling clinical hours, and mobile health units occasionally provide testing for conditions such as diabetes and HIV. A few sites are also pet-friendly, welcoming individuals with service animals to ensure families—human and furry—stay together during periods of extreme heat.

Shelter Access and Homelessness Concerns Grow Amid the Heat

The soaring temperatures have intensified challenges for Phoenix’s homeless population. The city’s largest homeless service hub recently reduced capacity, displacing over 100 individuals. The situation is compounded by funding cuts and a rise in homelessness, as highlighted in the latest Point-In-Time count for Maricopa County.

As a result, local shelters are becoming increasingly strained. In Tucson, a recent study revealed that even a modest financial intervention of $4,600 helped prevent youth from falling into homelessness. Meanwhile, organizations focused on healthcare and shelter for the homeless are expanding operations into Mesa to meet the rising demand.

Efforts are underway by Arizona’s 211 system, in collaboration with Governor Katie Hobbs and utility providers like APS, to secure ongoing funding for essential services and information resources that help residents find shelter, cooling centers, and health services.

Stay Safe and Hydrated During Extreme Heat

As Phoenix faces one of the hottest stretches of the year so far, local authorities urge residents to take precautions:

Stay indoors during peak afternoon hours

Hydrate frequently with water and avoid sugary or alcoholic beverages

Use sunscreen and wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing

Check on vulnerable neighbors including seniors, children, and those without reliable cooling

This early-summer heat wave serves as a sobering reminder of the Valley’s intensifying climate and the critical importance of community resilience, resource accessibility, and public awareness.