As the Valley prepares for Halloween festivities, residents can finally embrace the cozy embrace of sweater weather, marking a significant shift as temperatures begin to drop. According to the National Weather Service, Phoenix is set to experience a period of average to below-average fall temperatures over the next two weeks, a welcome change for those weary from the sweltering summer heat.
Phoenix will experience daytime highs ranging from the 70s to the low 80s throughout the weekend, while the crisp night air may see temperatures plunge into the upper 40s. Although temperatures are expected to dip below normal today and into tomorrow, a gradual warming trend will emerge by week’s end, allowing residents to enjoy a more autumn-like ambiance.
The National Weather Service has issued a freeze warning for Pima County, a precaution that will remain in effect until 5:15 a.m. on October 30, indicating the potential for frosty conditions in some areas as nighttime temperatures drop.
“We had a cold front push through last night into this morning throughout the region, and that’s what really provided us with significantly cooler air,” stated Isaac Smith, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Phoenix. “Yesterday, we reached highs in the 90s, but following the cold front’s arrival, we’re set to maintain these cooler temperatures effectively throughout the entire week,” he added, emphasizing the notable shift in the weather pattern.
The weather service anticipates a high of between 79 and 82 degrees on Halloween. However, as families prepare to venture out for trick-or-treating, they should be mindful of the evening chill, as temperatures are expected to drop to between 48 and 55 degrees.
While Smith predicts mostly dry conditions throughout the week, attention turns to the forecast for later in the weekend, as the Valley may face increased chances of rain beginning Sunday, offering some potential relief from the dry spell.
This welcomed cooldown is a significant relief for Phoenix, often dubbed America’s hottest city, which has just endured its record-setting hottest summer and fall to date. Notably, this year, Phoenix recorded its latest occurrence of temperatures soaring above 110 degrees, alongside the first 110-degree day in October, illustrating the extreme temperature fluctuations experienced.
Sky Harbor International Airport reported a staggering 21 consecutive days of unrelenting record-high temperatures just last month, leaving residents eagerly anticipating the transition to milder conditions.
Even though Smith assures that Phoenix will experience a return to average to below-average temperatures for the time being, he also notes, “It looks like we’re going to hold on to this cool weather for now. We’ll see temperatures drop off again next week with another weather system that’s going to be pushing in,” keeping residents on their toes as they navigate the changing autumn climate.
