Tucson woke to considerable mid- to high-level clouds and temperatures near 70 degrees Wednesday, but the calm morning is expected to give way to a stormier afternoon. Scattered showers and thunderstorms could develop after 11 a.m., with a high near 88 before temperatures slip into the low 80s later in the day.
The National Weather Service Tucson office puts the chance of rain Wednesday at about 40%, with mostly cloudy skies and south-southeast winds near 6 mph. Storm chances are expected to build from late morning into the afternoon, then continue into Wednesday night.
Thursday Brings The Bigger Storm Threat
Thursday looks unsettled again, with showers and thunderstorms likely before 2 p.m. and additional storm chances through the afternoon. The high should reach about 85 degrees, while southwest winds could increase to 15 to 20 mph with gusts up to 24 mph, according to the National Weather Service.
Forecasters say stronger storms may produce brief heavy rain, damaging wind gusts and hail. Downpours could also create sudden visibility problems and ponding on roads, so drivers should take extra care around washes and low-lying areas if storms move through.
Cooler, Sunnier Weather Arrives Friday
The pattern changes sharply Friday, when Tucson is expected to turn sunny with a high near 79 degrees. Saturday and Sunday should stay mostly sunny, with highs around 77 to 79 and overnight lows in the upper 50s.
In other words, Tucson gets two stormy days, a quick cooldown and then sunny weather that makes outdoor plans much easier.
