Arizona weather forecast: Dry spell continues with highs near 80 degrees in Phoenix

River flooding warnings impact Arizona waterways as skies clear

River flood warnings remain active across several Arizona waterways as sunny skies and warmer weekend conditions arrive. FOX 10's Erica Horvatin has your Wednesday forecast.

PHOENIX - The dry spell continues this Wednesday across Arizona.

Wednesday:

Wednesday was another gorgeous day across Arizona, with breezy winds around the White Mountains, Mogollon Rim and Four Corners. The winds are already dying down this evening and Thursday will be a calmer day. Temperatures stayed cooler than normal again, with a high of only 76 degrees in Phoenix!

Flood Warnings:

Aside from the beautiful weather, there are still flood warnings in effect for several rivers. In the Valley area, the Verde River south of Bartlett Lake is under a flood warning until 2 p.m. Thursday. The Salt River remains under flood warning, due to dam releases along the Salt River. The Moenkopi Wash is under a flood warning through tonight, and water levels will likely drop below flood stage by Friday morning. The Little Colorado River is under a flood warning through Wednesday night as well, and water levels will likely drop below flood stage by Thursday morning.

Phoenix forecast: Warm, dry week ahead

Phoenix reaches the upper 70s on Wednesday before climbing into the low 80s this weekend under sunny skies.

Thursday:

Thursday will be a sunny day, with a morning low of 58 and an afternoon high of 78 in Phoenix.

On Friday, a trough will dip into Arizona, bringing breezy winds to the Colorado River Valley along the western state line, and possibly some rain for the mountains of eastern Arizona and the Mogollon Rim. The chances of rain will depend on the strength of the low pressure over the state. Models currently disagree on the chance of rain, so it is far from a sure thing. For now, there is a low shower chance for higher elevation towns throughout the day and evening on Friday.

The weekend will be dry and mostly sunny, with temperatures climbing a couple of degrees. The Valley will see temperatures back in the low 80s from Friday through Tuesday, with a forecast of 82 degrees on Saturday and Sunday.

Looking Further Ahead:

Early next week appears to remain dry or mostly dry with highs still in the low 80s to upper 70s.

You can always check the latest weather conditions by visiting the FOX 10 Phoenix weather page, or download the Free FOX 10 Weather app, which is available on Apple iOS and Android.

Scroll down this page for satellite and radar, day planner, records, current temperatures, 10-day forecast, forecast highs, and recent rainfall totals, plus live video feeds.

The following heat safety information was provided by the Scottsdale Fire Department.

What are Heat Emergencies?

Heat Cramps: Profuse sweating, fatigue, extreme thirst, muscle cramps

Heat Exhaustion: Headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea/vomit, Cool/moist skin

Heat Stroke: Elevated temp. +103degrees, confusion/irrational behavior, dry/hot skin, rapid shallow breathing, rapid weak pulse (shock), seizures, unconscious

What to do

Get person into shade or cool location.
Cool person with cool, wet cloths (neck, groin, armpits, head) and fan body.
Sip cool water if person is alert.
For muscle cramps, massage muscles gently, but firmly until relaxed.
*If symptoms worsen, call 911.

What not to do

Do not give anything by mouth if person is vomiting, unable to swallow or unconscious.
Do not underestimate the seriousness of a heat emergency.
Prevention/Preparation for hike/exercise in heat.

Know your limitations

Hydrate (begins day prior to hike/exercise, hour before hike, during and after).
Wear proper clothing, lightweight and light color, protect head, proper shoes.
Always carry a cell phone and best to hike with company.
Always tell someone where you are hiking and when to plan to return.

Preventing heat exhaustion/heat stroke

The Arizona Department of Health Services stated the following precautions can be taken to prevent heat exhaustion or heat stroke:

Stay in air-conditioned buildings.
Find a cooling center/hydration station.
Limit outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day (mid-day).
Check on at-risk friends, family, and neighbors at least twice a day.
Drink water before, during, and after working or exercising outside.
Check the UV Index.
Check the heat risk map.

Road Conditions

Call 511 anywhere in Arizona or 1-888-411-ROAD (7623)

Rain/flood safety tips

The American Red Cross' tips for heavy rain situations and flood safety:

Turn around don’t drown! If you must drive and you encounter a flooded roadway, turn around and go another way.
If you are caught on a flooded road and waters are rising rapidly around you, get out of the car quickly and move to higher ground.
Tune in to your local radio, NOAA radio, or news channels for the latest updates.
If your neighborhood is prone to flooding, be prepared to evacuate quickly.
Follow evacuation orders and do not attempt to return until officials say it is safe.
If power lines are down, do not step in puddles or standing water.
If power is out, use a flashlight. Do not use any open flame as alternate lighting.

Preparing for a severe thunderstorm

The American Red Cross' tips for preparing for a severe thunderstorm:

Put together an emergency kit.
Know your community’s evacuation plan.
Create a household disaster plan and practice it.
Purchase a battery-powered or hand-crank radio
Discuss thunderstorm safety with members of your household. Be aware that a thunderstorm could produce flooding.
Pick a safe place in your home for household members to gather during a thunderstorm. This should be a place where there are no windows, skylights, or glass doors, which could be broken by strong winds or hail and cause damage or injury