PHOENIX, Arizona — While metro Phoenix is getting a brief break from triple-digit heat this weekend, a dangerous combination of strong winds and low humidity has prompted a red flag warning for most of Arizona through Sunday night.
The National Weather Service issued the warning as a large trough of low pressure dropping into the Pacific Northwest sends gusts of more than 50 miles per hour across the high country and breezy conditions into the Valley. Despite slightly cooler temperatures, the dry air and high winds create conditions where any new or existing fire can spread rapidly.
"Expect rapid spread and growth of any new or existing fires," AZ Family First Alert meteorologists warned. "Please be firewise and follow all local and state fire restrictions in place."
The warning comes as the Sycamore Fire continues to burn in the Tonto National Forest east of Roosevelt Lake, having already consumed more than 11,000 acres. Fire crews across the state remain on high alert, and several national forests have implemented Stage 2 fire restrictions.
Daytime highs in Phoenix, which topped 110 degrees on Friday, have dropped into the moderate heat risk range as drier air moves in from the west. Overnight lows are expected to stay in the lower 80s, still a few degrees above normal for late June.
