Warm and breezy close to July as humidity and rain chances rise to start August

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY-TV) - An air quality alert is still in effect for portions of Imperial and Riverside Counties through Thursday due to the smoke and warm temperatures creating high levels of ozone (smog).

A ridge of high pressure will be off toward our east, but it will continue expand bringing hotter temperatures as well as steering monsoonal moisture on in the days ahead.

Moisture levels will increase Thursday, creating better chances for showers and thunderstorms to develop in the Desert Southwest starting Thursday morning.

Any storms that develop could bring heavy rain, lightning, and gusty winds.

Humid conditions will be felt to start the month of August along with near average temperatures through Friday.

Storm chances will decrease for the weekend, but will rise once again early next week.

The weekend will also bring hotter temperatures, which is why an Excessive Heat WATCH is issued for Saturday and Sunday, for both Yuma and Imperial Counties.