Warm midweek, then weather changes ahead

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) - After a quiet start to the week, a shift in the weather pattern could bring some much-needed rain and even the chance for flooding across parts of Arizona by the weekend.

Temperatures are expected to warm slightly above normal through midweek, with highs across the lower deserts including Yuma reaching the upper 90s to near 100 degrees by Wednesday. These are about five to seven degrees above average for early October, according to the National Weather Service in Phoenix.

But the heat won't last long. Cooler air begins to arrive late this week, dropping highs below normal by Sunday. Along with that cooldown, forecasters are tracking tropical moisture moving north from Hurricane Priscilla, which is currently off the Baja California coast.

That moisture could begin affecting southern Arizona as early as Thursday, bringing increased humidity, thicker cloud cover, and eventually rainfall.

While the exact timing and intensity remain uncertain, the Weather Service says several rounds of rain are possible from Thursday through the weekend.

Some areas especially over higher terrain could see heavy rainfall leading to localized flooding.

By the weekend, highs are forecast to fall back into the 80s with overnight lows in the 60s.

So enjoy the warm, dry days while they last because a much wetter and cooler stretch of weather is on the way for the Desert Southwest.