Latest Weather Forecast For Mother's Day Weekend In Phoenix: See Details

PHOENIX, AZ — If you're planning an outdoor brunch or backyard gathering for Mother's Day this Sunday, you may want to move it inside, or start very early.

Phoenix is heading into one of its first significant heat events of the season, with temperatures expected to climb well above 100 degrees by the weekend and keep rising into next week.

Forecasters are warning of Moderate HeatRisk conditions over the holiday weekend, with even more intense heat possible in the days that follow.

The warmup begins Thursday, when Phoenix-area highs are expected to reach 92 to 95 degrees as the cooler system that recently brought isolated rain exits to the southeast. From there, temperatures climb quickly.

Lower desert areas could hit 100 degrees as early as Friday, with Phoenix pushing past that mark by Saturday.

Sunday — Mother's Day — could see temperatures reaching or topping 105 degrees, according to the forecast. And the heat is not expected to peak there.

Monday and Tuesday are shaping up to be the hottest days of the stretch, with some western lower desert areas potentially reaching 110 degrees and Phoenix area highs forecast in the 105 to 107 degree range.

Forecasters said extreme heat watches or warnings may eventually be needed if conditions develop as currently expected.

While forecasters do not expect critical fire weather thresholds to be met, low humidity, temperatures above 100 degrees and wind gusts around 20 mph Friday through the weekend could create pockets of elevated fire danger across the region.

Smoke from the Hazen Fire burning near Buckeye could also affect visibility in parts of central Phoenix during late afternoon and evening hours, depending on wind direction.

If you are celebrating Mother's Day outdoors, early morning is your best window. By midday Sunday, the Valley will already be well on its way to a potentially record-setting afternoon.