Phoenix Braces for Windy Start to Week as Temperatures Dip

High winds and blowing dust expected, but temperatures to remain above normal

Mar. 30, 2026 at 4:52pm

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A vast, atmospheric landscape painting in muted earth tones, with a massive, swirling dust storm dominating the scene and obscuring the horizon, conveying the overwhelming power of nature.A dramatic dust storm sweeps across the Phoenix metropolitan area, highlighting the region's vulnerability to extreme weather conditions.Phoenix Today

The Phoenix area is expected to see high winds and blowing dust at the start of the week, even as temperatures begin to dip from recent historic highs. While not as extreme as the recent heat wave, temperatures are still forecast to remain well above normal for late March and early April.

Why it matters

The high winds and blowing dust pose a risk to public safety and could disrupt daily activities, while the continued above-normal temperatures highlight the ongoing challenges of extreme weather in the region.

The details

According to the National Weather Service, winds on Monday are expected to reach 10-15 mph, with stronger gusts of over 30 mph possible in Pinal County and southern Maricopa County. There is also a slight chance of isolated showers and thunderstorms, primarily in the mountains east of Phoenix. While not as intense as the 40+ mph gusts seen on Sunday, the windy conditions could still reduce visibility and create hazardous driving conditions.

  • On Sunday night, wind gusts exceeded 40 mph in parts of the East Valley.
  • Monday's weather disturbance is expected to be strongest in Pinal County and southern Maricopa County.
  • High temperatures are forecast to be in the middle 90s for the next couple of days, cooling to the middle 80s by the middle of the week.

The players

Mark O'Malley

A meteorologist with the National Weather Service (NWS) in Phoenix.

National Weather Service (NWS)

The federal agency responsible for weather forecasting and issuing weather-related advisories and warnings.

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What they’re saying

“Winds this afternoon will be blowing about 10 to 15 miles per hour. Most of the stronger winds will be outside of the Phoenix area today, so (we) won't expect to see anything close to what we experienced last evening.”

— Mark O'Malley, Meteorologist, National Weather Service

“Any shower and thunderstorm chances this afternoon will be mainly over the mountains east of Phoenix. Some areas south of town could see some gusty winds with some showers, but most people will see nothing whatsoever today.”

— Mark O'Malley, Meteorologist, National Weather Service

“We still want people to be aware for warm temperatures during the afternoon. If you're doing any outdoor activity, drink plenty of water out there. Mid-90s isn't as hot as we have been, but it's still fairly warm.”

— Mark O'Malley, Meteorologist, National Weather Service

What’s next

The National Weather Service will continue to monitor the weather conditions and issue any necessary advisories or warnings for the Phoenix area.

The takeaway

While the high winds and blowing dust at the start of the week pose some risks, the bigger story is the continued above-normal temperatures in Phoenix, which have been a persistent challenge for the region. Residents are advised to stay hydrated and limit outdoor activities during the hottest parts of the day.