FIRST ALERT FORECAST: Extreme heat continues in region before weekend cooldown

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - The blistering heat gripping much of southwest Arizona is sticking around for one more day, with temperatures expected to hit between 108 and 116 degrees across the lower deserts before some much-needed relief arrives this weekend.

An Extreme Heat Warning remains in effect through Friday evening, with the National Weather Service (NWS) urging residents to limit time outdoors, stay hydrated, and take extra precautions to prevent heat-related illness.

The region remains under the influence of a strong high-pressure ridge, with Thursday marking the hottest day of the week for many communities.

But a Pacific storm system entering the West Coast is already beginning to shift that pattern. As it moves inland, temperatures across the desert southwest will gradually fall.

By Saturday, highs are expected to drop closer to 106–110 degrees, and by Sunday, many areas could dip just below the triple-digit mark, a rare break in what has been an intense June heat stretch. The heat risk level will also drop significantly heading into the weekend.

While temperatures cool, increasing winds and very low humidity will raise fire danger across parts of the region Friday and Saturday. Gusts up to 30 mph are expected in higher terrain east of Phoenix and parts of Imperial County. Gusts in some spots could approach 40 mph, and a wind advisory may be issued in future forecasts.

Those dry and gusty conditions, combined with humidity values as low as five to 10%, create elevated to locally critical fire weather conditions, especially in areas like Gila County and the western deserts.

Looking ahead: The cooler trend is expected to continue into early next week, with afternoon highs hovering near or just below seasonal normals.

NWS is also monitoring potential monsoon moisture creeping into southeastern Arizona by Tuesday or Wednesday, which could spark isolated storms in the high country.

For now, extreme heat remains the headline, but relief is on the horizon.