Warmer weather to start week with slightly cooler days ahead

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) - It's another hot one across the lower deserts, with afternoon highs climbing to around and, in some spots, just above 90 degrees. That puts Monday near record territory for early March.

The ridge of high pressure that brought the recent surge of heat is beginning to shift east, but temperatures remain very warm near the surface.

As a result, expect highs close to 90 in the warmest communities before some gradual cooling begins.

Winds will also pick up Monday afternoon and early evening. Expect widespread breezy conditions, with gusts generally between 20 and 30 miles per hour, especially in open desert areas. Winds will ease after sunset.

By Tuesday, a cooler air mass filters in behind a passing weather system. Highs will drop back into the mid-80s, still above normal for this time of year, but not quite as hot as the start of the week.

Wednesday looks similar, with afternoon temperatures again in the mid-80s under mostly dry skies.

Looking ahead to Thursday, another system approaches, bringing renewed breezy conditions and slightly cooler temperatures. Highs will likely settle closer to 80 degrees.

As for rain chances, the forecast remains dry for now. There is some uncertainty late in the week into the weekend regarding a potential low-pressure system lingering nearby.

However, at this point, there are no realistic precipitation chances in the forecast. Even if that system develops, moisture appears limited.

Fire weather concerns remain elevated due to the combination of warm temperatures, low humidity, dipping as low as 10 to 15% during the afternoons, and periodic breeziness.

Bottom line: Near-record warmth to start the week, breezy at times, then a gradual cooling trend, but still staying warmer than average heading into the weekend.