Gusty winds and cooler temps move into area

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) - A shift in the weather pattern across the Desert Southwest is bringing gusty winds, cooler temperatures, and elevated fire concerns to Yuma and surrounding areas.

According to the National Weather Service, a weather system moving through the Great Basin is driving strong winds across southeast California and the Lower Colorado River Valley, especially through Tuesday night.

Wind gusts in parts of Imperial County and nearby desert areas could exceed 40 miles per hour, with widespread gusts between 25 and 35 mph expected across the region.

Those winds could create blowing dust, reducing visibility along major highways like Interstate 8 and Interstate 10, potentially making travel hazardous at times.

Despite the windy conditions, temperatures have remained slightly above normal, with highs in the 90s across lower desert areas. But that’s about to change.

By Wednesday, the system weakens as it moves inland, bringing cooler air into the region. High temperatures are expected to drop into the mid to upper 80s, much closer to average for this time of year, while breezy conditions stick around, especially in higher terrain areas.

Looking ahead, the rest of the week will stay active but dry. A series of weak weather systems passing north of the region will keep winds elevated, with afternoon gusts ranging from 20 to 30 mph through the weekend.

Temperatures are expected to hover near normal, with a slight dip below average possible by Sunday.

The dry air combined with persistent winds is also raising fire weather concerns. Relative humidity levels are expected to drop as low as eight to 15% during the afternoons, creating conditions that could allow fires to spread more easily.

For now, residents are advised to be cautious on the roads during periods of blowing dust and to avoid activities that could spark fires as the region heads into a breezy and slightly cooler stretch of weather.