White-hot Christmas? Phoenix could see record heat this week

Santa won't need the coat and gloves in Phoenix this Christmas. Tim Chow

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While Phoenix is known for being a warm-weather winter wonderland, the run-up to Christmas is looking even warmer than normal this year. Kids shouldn't hold out for snow, but they can expect Santa — and more record high temperatures.

The National Weather Service has forecast high temperatures of 82 degrees for Wednesday and 81 for Thursday and Friday, all of which would be record highs for those respective dates.

click to enlarge

The National Weather Service predicts higher-than-usual temperatures as Christmas approaches.

National Weather Service

“It certainly is abnormal for this time of year to see temperatures this high,” NWS meteorologist Isaac Smith told Phoenix New Times. “Normally, high temperatures are closer to around 65 degrees for Phoenix.”

Smith also noted the current record high for Dec. 18 is 79 degrees, which was set back in 1950.

“It looks like we’ll have a pretty good shot at breaking that record today,” Smith said.

Today many lower desert locations are forecast to reach 80+ °F in the afternoon under sunny skies. This is around 15°F above normal for this time of year and will lead to Minor HeatRisk. Please use caution if you plan to spend an extended time outdoors this afternoon. #azwx #cawx pic.twitter.com/LFQccx8Wsf

— NWS Phoenix (@NWSPhoenix) December 18, 2024

While temperatures are set to dip around Christmas and the first day of Hanukkah, which are on the same day this year, Smith said they will still be above average.

“We’re expecting highs generally in the lower 70s, which is still above normal,” he said. “Our normal high right now is about 65 degrees.”

The National Weather Service predicts a high of 75 on Christmas Eve. While the NWS has not publicized a forecast high for Christmas Day, the Weather Channel predicts temperatures to reach 71 degrees.

Precipitation is also expected to be below average for the region — currently, none is forecast. That means Christmas get-togethers in the Phoenix metro this year will be warm and balmy with plenty of sun.