Sun, Saddles, and Symphony: Your Phoenix Morning Briefing

Morning Outlook: Unseasonably Warm and Bright

Good morning, Phoenix. If you are heading out early this Thursday, February 12, 2026, you can leave the heavy coat at home. We are currently experiencing a stretch of unseasonably warm weather driven by a southwest flow that has pushed our afternoon highs roughly 10 degrees above the seasonal average. Expect a high near 80°F today with plenty of sunshine. However, keep an eye on the horizon as a weather disturbance is expected to move in by Friday, bringing cooler temperatures and a slight chance of showers for the commute tomorrow.

The City Mood: Equestrian Excellence

With the high-octane energy of the WM Phoenix Open now in the books, the mood of the Valley has shifted toward a more refined, yet equally prestigious, tradition. Today marks the opening of the 71st Annual Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show at WestWorld. As one of the world’s most renowned equestrian events, it brings thousands of visitors and some of the finest horses on the planet to our backyard. The city is in full "event season" mode, with a noticeable influx of winter visitors filling our restaurants and local shops.

Key Talking Point: Suns Stumble and Olympic Fever

The main topic at the water cooler today is the Phoenix Suns' disappointing performance on Wednesday night. A depleted Suns roster struggled to keep pace with the Oklahoma City Thunder, falling 136-109. While the loss is a tough pill to swallow, local sports fans are finding plenty of distraction in the ongoing 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina. Whether it is tracking the U.S. Men’s Hockey team’s progress or watching the snowboard cross finals, the Valley is fully engaged in the Olympic spirit as we head into the weekend.

Feel-Good Story: A Milestone for Storytelling

Today is a significant day for our local arts community as the Greater Phoenix Jewish Film Festival kicks off its 30th Anniversary season. This decades-long tradition has grown into a vital bridge for our community, offering thought-provoking cinema that inspires conversation and connection. In addition to the film festival, the curtains rise tonight at Symphony Hall for the premiere of Ballet Arizona’s production of Alice (in Wonderland). These events highlight the vibrant, diverse cultural fabric that makes Phoenix such a compelling place to live during the winter months.

Morning Essentials

• Traffic Alert: Commuters in North Phoenix should be aware of lingering investigations near North 40th Street and East Cholla Street following a vehicle accident on Wednesday evening; expect typical morning congestion in the area.
• Community Event: The Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show runs daily starting today through February 22.
• Tonight: High-energy performances begin for "Alice" at Symphony Hall at 7:00 PM.