Arizona weather forecast: Cool temperatures give way to strong wind gusts across the state

PHOENIX – Wednesday was a gorgeous day in Arizona.

Wednesday & Thursday:

Phoenix started off chilly with a low of 58 degrees, which is the coldest morning low since March 11.

Flagstaff saw its first freezing morning of the season, with a low of 30 degrees. Temperatures stayed unseasonably cool during the afternoon as well, with a high of 78 degrees in Phoenix.

Thursday will be a sunny, dry day across Arizona.

Temperatures will rebound to about 10 degrees, statewide. Phoenix will see temperatures climb back to around 88 degrees, which is still slightly cooler than normal. Overall, it will be a beautiful day, but the weather will start to change during the evening.

Windy Weather:

Winds will start to pick up in the High Country during the afternoon, and winds will be gusty across the entire state Thursday evening and overnight. Strong winds will whip across Arizona from the east Thursday night through Friday afternoon. The high country will see wind gusts of 45 to 50 mph. Meanwhile, much of southern Arizona will be under wind advisories and high wind watches.

In Phoenix, Maricopa, Pinal, and Gila counties, winds will gust at 25 to 40 mph Thursday night. Friday morning will be even windier with 35 to 55 mph wind gusts. The wind will lighten up a bit by Friday night, at 15 to 35 mph, and they will lighten even more on Saturday.

Temperatures will fall back into the low 80s on Saturday, but skies will be mostly cloudy, and there will be a slight chance of virga or sprinkles. The High Country will have a better chance of showers Saturday and Sunday.

You can always check the latest weather conditions by visiting the FOX 10 Phoenix weather page, or download the Free FOX 10 Weather app, which is available on Apple iOS and Android.

Scroll down this page for satellite and radar, day planner, records, current temperatures, 10-day forecast, forecast highs, and recent rainfall totals, plus live video feeds.

The following heat safety information was provided by the Scottsdale Fire Department.

What are Heat Emergencies?

Heat Cramps: Profuse sweating, fatigue, extreme thirst, muscle cramps

Heat Exhaustion: Headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea/vomit, Cool/moist skin

Heat Stroke: Elevated temp. +103degrees, confusion/irrational behavior, dry/hot skin, rapid shallow breathing, rapid weak pulse (shock), seizures, unconscious

What to do

• Get person into shade or cool location.
• Cool person with cool, wet cloths (neck, groin, armpits, head) and fan body.
• Sip cool water if person is alert.
• For muscle cramps, massage muscles gently, but firmly until relaxed.
• *If symptoms worsen, call 911.

What not to do

• Do not give anything by mouth if person is vomiting, unable to swallow or unconscious.
• Do not underestimate the seriousness of a heat emergency.
• Prevention/Preparation for hike/exercise in heat.

Know your limitations

• Hydrate (begins day prior to hike/exercise, hour before hike, during and after).
• Wear proper clothing, lightweight and light color, protect head, proper shoes.
• Always carry a cell phone and best to hike with company.
• Always tell someone where you are hiking and when to plan to return.

Preventing heat exhaustion/heat stroke

The Arizona Department of Health Services stated the following precautions can be taken to prevent heat exhaustion or heat stroke:

• Stay in air-conditioned buildings.
• Find a cooling center/hydration station.
• Limit outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day (mid-day).
• Check on at-risk friends, family, and neighbors at least twice a day.
• Drink water before, during, and after working or exercising outside.
• Check the UV Index.
• Check the heat risk map.

Road Conditions

• Call 511 anywhere in Arizona or 1-888-411-ROAD (7623)

Rain/flood safety tips

The American Red Cross’ tips for heavy rain situations and flood safety:

• Turn around don’t drown! If you must drive and you encounter a flooded roadway, turn around and go another way.
• If you are caught on a flooded road and waters are rising rapidly around you, get out of the car quickly and move to higher ground.
• Tune in to your local radio, NOAA radio, or news channels for the latest updates.
• If your neighborhood is prone to flooding, be prepared to evacuate quickly.
• Follow evacuation orders and do not attempt to return until officials say it is safe.
• If power lines are down, do not step in puddles or standing water.
• If power is out, use a flashlight. Do not use any open flame as alternate lighting.

 

Preparing for a severe thunderstorm 

The American Red Cross’ tips for preparing for a severe thunderstorm:

• Put together an emergency kit.
• Know your community’s evacuation plan.
• Create a household disaster plan and practice it.
• Purchase a battery-powered or hand-crank radio
• Discuss thunderstorm safety with members of your household. Be aware that a thunderstorm could produce flooding.
• Pick a safe place in your home for household members to gather during a thunderstorm. This should be a place where there are no windows, skylights, or glass doors, which could be broken by strong winds or hail and cause damage or injury.

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