Above-normal heat sticks around before breezy, cooler weekend arrives

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) - A stretch of warm, dry weather is settling in across Arizona this week, with temperatures climbing well above normal before a weekend system brings cooler air, gusty winds, and a chance for rain.

High pressure is taking control of the forecast across much of Arizona, setting the stage for a steady warm-up through the middle of the week.

Afternoon highs will climb into the low to mid 90s across the lower deserts by Wednesday, running about 10 to 15 degrees above average for early April.

Plenty of sunshine is expected after some passing clouds early in the week, with dry air keeping rain chances near zero for most valley locations.

A weak disturbance moving through the region Monday is bringing increased cloud cover and just a slight chance of sprinkles, mainly over higher terrain areas. However, most desert communities will stay dry, with any moisture evaporating before reaching the ground.

By Thursday, the warm and dry pattern continues with temperatures holding in the 90s across the deserts and 80s in higher elevations.

Looking ahead to the weekend, a noticeable pattern change is expected. A developing low-pressure system off the California coast will begin to move inland, gradually lowering temperatures and increasing winds across the region.

By Friday and into the weekend, highs will begin to dip back into the upper 80s before dropping closer to seasonal averages by Sunday. Breezy conditions are also expected to develop, especially in the afternoons and evenings.

There is still some uncertainty with this system, but it could bring a slight chance of showers, mainly in higher terrain areas. If the system strengthens, rain chances could expand into the deserts.

Fire weather concerns remain elevated through the week due to low humidity levels, generally between 10 and 20% across the deserts, combined with periods of gusty winds.

Overall, expect a hot and dry stretch through midweek, followed by a cooler, breezier pattern heading into the weekend.