Unseasonably warm stretch continues into the weekend

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) - A strong high-pressure ridge parked over the Southwest is keeping temperatures well above normal across Yuma and Imperial Counties and the warmth isn't going anywhere anytime soon.

Lower desert areas hit the upper 70s to lower 80s on Thursday, and similar temperatures are expected through the weekend.

Some spots could even challenge record highs, with forecasted afternoon temperatures running 10-15 degrees above normal for mid-December.

Skies will stay mostly clear, aside from passing high clouds, and overnight lows will remain mild, generally in the mid-40s for rural areas and mid-50s in more urban zones.

A very weak and dry disturbance moves through Monday, but it won’t be enough to change the pattern. Temperatures are expected to remain steady heading into early next week.

Looking farther out, next week remains warm and dry with highs near or above 80 degrees at times. Long-range models hint at the possibility of a pattern shift close to Christmas that could finally bring cooler weather and potentially end this unusually warm and quiet stretch.

For now, expect sunny, dry, and warm days to continue across the region.