Unseasonable temperatures with midweek warmup approaching

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) - Dry weather and unseasonably warm temperatures continue across the Desert Southwest Monday, even with a slight cooldown compared to Sunday.

A weak weather disturbance moved through Arizona this afternoon, bringing some high clouds and slightly cooler air.

Afternoon highs Monday are expected to top out in the upper 70s to near 80 degrees, which is about 10 degrees above normal for early February.

As of early afternoon, temperatures were already running a few degrees cooler than this time yesterday.

That brief dip won't last long.

High pressure will quickly rebuild over the region Tuesday and Wednesday, pushing temperatures right back up.

Forecast highs across the lower deserts are expected to reach the low to mid 80s, with Wednesday shaping up to be the warmest day of the week.

There's even a 50% chance Phoenix could tie its daily record high of 86 degrees on Wednesday.

Breezy easterly winds are expected to develop Wednesday, with gusts between 15 and 25 miles per hour, and stronger gusts possible in higher terrain. Those downslope winds could help push some Valley locations even warmer.

Because of the above-normal heat, Minor HeatRisk is expected Tuesday and Wednesday. If you're spending time outdoors, be sure to stay hydrated, use sunscreen, and take breaks in the shade.

Looking ahead, temperatures begin to cool slightly late in the week, with highs dropping closer to 80 degrees by Thursday.

A bigger pattern change could arrive early next week, potentially bringing cooler temperatures and rain chances back to the region.

For now, dry conditions remain firmly in place.