If you woke up in the Valley of the Sun this morning, you probably noticed that "winter" in Arizona is basically a suggestion rather than a rule. Honestly, while the rest of the country is digging out of snowdrifts, we're out here debating whether it’s a light hoodie or just a long-sleeve T-shirt kind of day.
Today in Phoenix, the mercury climbed to a high of 78°F, making it feel a lot more like a gentle spring afternoon than mid-January.
It’s kinda wild when you look at the numbers. Most people think of Phoenix and immediately picture 115-degree heatwaves that melt your flip-flops to the pavement. But January is our secret weapon. Today’s peak of 78°F wasn't just "nice"—it was significantly warmer than the historical average for January 15, which usually hovers around a much cooler 67°F or 68°F.
How hot did it get today in phoenix and why it feels different
Let’s talk about that 78°F.
On paper, it sounds warm. In reality? It’s perfection. The sky stayed mostly sunny throughout the peak of the day, and with the humidity sitting low at about 26%, that heat doesn't "stick" to you. You've probably felt that swampy, heavy air in other states; Phoenix today was the polar opposite. It’s that crisp, dry warmth that makes you want to sit on a patio with an iced coffee and just... exist.
Wind wasn't much of a factor either. We had a light breeze coming in from the east at about 4 mph. Basically, just enough to move the air around so the sun didn't feel too intense on your neck.
The temperature breakdown
If you were tracking it hour-by-hour, you saw a pretty standard desert swing.
We started the morning with a low of 53°F. That’s the kind of morning where you definitely need a jacket for the commute. But by lunchtime, the sun did its thing, and we were cruising into the 70s.
By the time 3:00 PM or 4:00 PM rolled around, we hit that 78°F peak.
Is it a record-breaker? Not quite. But considering that the "comfortable" band for this time of year is usually 10 degrees lower, today definitely felt like a bonus summer day. The UV index stayed low at a 2, so while it was warm, you weren't exactly frying the second you stepped outside.
What to expect for the rest of the week
If you liked today, you're in luck. The ridge of high pressure seems to be hanging out for a bit.
Tomorrow, Friday, January 16, we're looking at a very similar setup. The forecast is calling for a high of 77°F and a low of 50°F. It’s essentially a carbon copy of today, just a tiny bit cooler in the overnight hours.
Looking further ahead:
- Saturday: 76°F / 50°F (Sunny)
- Sunday: 74°F / 50°F (Partly Sunny)
- Monday: 75°F / 53°F (Mostly Cloudy)
The clouds start rolling in toward the beginning of next week, but the temperatures are staying stubbornly in the mid-70s. It’s a great stretch for anyone planning to hit the trails at Camelback or Piestewa Peak. Just remember that even though it’s "only" 78°F, the desert air is incredibly dry. You’ll lose moisture faster than you realize.
Surviving the "Heat" (Phoenix Style)
For locals, 78°F is "outdoor seating" weather. For visitors, it's "pool" weather.
If you're out and about, here’s the move: layer up. The 25-degree swing from the morning low to the afternoon high is classic Arizona. If you leave the house in a t-shirt at 7:00 AM, you’ll be shivering. If you wear a heavy coat at 2:00 PM, you’ll be miserable.
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Honestly, enjoy this while it lasts. We all know that in four months, we'll be looking back at these 78-degree days with pure envy while the thermometer pushes past 110.
Pro-tip for tomorrow: Keep the sunscreen handy even if it feels mild. That high-altitude desert sun can still sneak up on you during a long lunch. If you're planning any outdoor activities, aim for that 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM window to catch the absolute best of the warmth before the sun ducks behind the White Tank Mountains and the temp starts its nightly nose-dive.