Excessive heat warning issued for Saturday, just days before cooler, rainy weather hits

An excessive heat warning was issued Saturday for areas in metro Phoenix and Wickenburg.

The excessive heat warning begins at 10 a.m. and is expected to end 8 p.m. Saturday, according to James Sawtelle, meteorologist at the National Weather Service. The high-temperature Saturday is forecast to be 108 degrees, he added.

"Today will be the last day of excessive heat for at least the coming week and possibly for the summer," said Sawtelle.

Temperatures are forecast to drop to 102 degrees Sunday, according to Sawtelle. He said below-normal temperatures are expected Monday through Thursday with temperatures in the mid to upper 90s, he said. 

In addition to the below normal temperatures this coming week are increased chances of rainshowers and thunderstorms, Sawtelle said. Chances of thunderstorms peak Monday night into Tuesday morning at 40 to 50%, he added.

"We're expecting a wetting rain," he stated. Sawtelle added that anywhere from a quarter of an inch to three-tenths of an inch of rain is expected between Monday and Wednesday. 

Reach the reporter at chelsea.curtis@arizonarepublic.com or follow her on Twitter @curtis_chels. 

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