Temperatures sizzling as holiday nears

Heat continues to be a factor in the southwest as a strong area of high pressure has settled in and isn’t budging anytime soon. High temps across the state will be mainly in the 110s.

Because of the heat, there’s an Excessive Heat Warning for parts of Maricopa, Pinal, La Paz, and Yuma Counties from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. through Friday.

Expect mostly sunny skies and dry conditions for the week. Winds will be out of the southwest about 5-15 mph. Gustier winds can be expected in the afternoon and evening hours, caused by outflow from storms developing to our north and east.

Blowing dust and sand is even possible this afternoon and evening, especially in the East Valley.

There’s a continued chance of storms in the forecast across the state, primarily along the Mogollon Rim, and in southeast Arizona. Not much rain is expected, with rainfall amounts ranging from .01”-.25”.

The main threats from these storms will be frequent lightning and strong, gusty winds. The chance of rain will continue on Thursday as well, but the rain chances will move farther east. High pressure is moving a little farther west, bringing drier air into the state. By the weekend, expect hot, dry conditions to continue, and plenty of sunshine.

12 News Weather Plus Forecast Temperatures for the state:

Phoenix 113/ 89
Tempe 112/ 87
Chandler 111/ 87
Mesa 111/ 86
Scottsdale 113/ 87
Gilbert 112/ 88
Apache Junction 111/ 86
Cave Creek 108/ 84
Surprise 113/ 87
Peoria 112/ 88
Glendale 111/ 87
Avondale 112/ 87
Buckeye 112/ 88
Casa Grande 112/ 80
Flagstaff 87/ 55
Prescott 96/ 65
Payson 99/ 64
Show Low 92/ 60
Globe 102/ 74
Florence 110/ 86
Bullhead City 116/ 90

Members of the Tempe Town Lake Rowing junior team puts in their boats on July 2, 2008 --- when it was supposed to be 112 degrees and an excessive heat warning is in effect.