Tucson is heading into a partly cloudy Friday with additional cloud buildups and a high of 96, but the easy desert weather is about to get a lot less predictable. Saturday brings a 60% chance of showers and thunderstorms, followed by gusty winds, blowing dust and a cooler 86-degree Sunday. The bigger cool-down arrives early next week, with highs dipping into the 70s.
Sunny Friday Gives Way To Storm Chances
Friday should be partly cloudy with additional cloud buildups, a high near 96 and east-southeast winds of 5 to 15 mph. Friday night remains partly cloudy, with a low around 75. Saturday brings a 60% chance of showers and thunderstorms after 11 a.m., according to the National Weather Service in Tucson.
Saturday is the weekend weather pivot: a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before 11 a.m. grows into a likely afternoon-and-evening storm setup, with a high near 91 and a 60% chance of precipitation. Stronger storms could produce gusty winds and locally heavy rain, while isolated flash flooding is possible near the most intense downpours.
Sunday Brings Wind, Dust And A Sharp Temperature Drop
Sunday turns cooler and windier, with a high near 86, a 50% chance of showers and thunderstorms, and breezy to windy southwest winds. The forecast also calls for patchy blowing dust, and forecasters say gusts could reach 35 to 45 mph across parts of southeast Arizona.
Columbus Day is partly sunny, with a 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms and a high near 83. Tuesday reaches about 79, Wednesday settles near 77 with a 10% chance of showers, and Thursday rebounds to 80 under sunny skies.
Friday Is The Best Outdoor Window
Friday is the cleanest day for outdoor plans before storms become more likely Saturday afternoon. By Sunday, residents should allow extra time for dust, gusty winds and sudden downpours, even though widespread flash flooding is not expected.
