Tucson is waking to clear skies and temperatures around 81 degrees Friday morning, but the late-season heat is about to lose its grip. The high should reach 97 degrees before storm chances increase this weekend and below-normal temperatures arrive early next week.
A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms arrives after 11 a.m. Friday, mainly south and east of Tucson. The National Weather Service Tucson forecasts only slight chances of rain Friday, but brief heavy rain and gusty winds could develop under the strongest storms.
Saturday Storms Could Disrupt Outdoor Plans
Saturday will be cooler, with a high near 92 degrees and scattered to numerous showers and thunderstorms.
Localized higher rainfall is possible. Anyone planning hikes, sports or other outdoor activities should keep an eye on the sky once storms begin building after midday.
Sunday Brings Wind, Dust And More Storms
Sunday looks cooler still, with a high near 86 degrees and a 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms. The forecast also calls for patchy blowing dust and stronger southwest-to-south winds, especially from midday into the afternoon.
A Wind Advisory is scheduled from 2 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday for parts of central and western Pima County and southwest Pinal County. Gusts of 35 to 45 mph are possible across much of southeastern Arizona, with the strongest winds expected west of Tucson and around any thunderstorms.
Cooler Weather Settles In Next Week
Monday brings another chance of showers late in the day, followed by mostly sunny skies and a high near 81 degrees. Tuesday should top out around 77 degrees, with a few lingering storm chances before a mostly clear night drops temperatures to about 56.
Drier air arrives Wednesday, with any lingering precipitation chances east of Tucson. After Friday's heat, below-normal temperatures are expected early next week.
