Record heat continues, relief possible by late weekend
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) - Unseasonably hot temperatures continue to grip southwest Arizona, with near-record heat expected to persist through the rest of the workweek and into the weekend.
According to the National Weather Service in Phoenix, a strong ridge of high pressure remains in place across the Desert Southwest, keeping temperatures well above normal for late March.
In Yuma and surrounding areas, afternoon highs are expected to range between 98 and 102 degrees through Friday.
Those temperatures are roughly 15 to 20 degrees above average and will continue to challenge daily record highs. Friday is expected to be the hottest day of the stretch before a gradual pattern shift begins.
While mornings will still offer some relief with temperatures in the 60s, the afternoon heat could pose risks, especially for those spending extended time outdoors.
Forecasters warn that the unusually hot conditions may be dangerous without proper hydration, shade, or access to air conditioning.
A weak system moving inland from the California coast will bring slightly breezier conditions at times, particularly along the Colorado River Valley.
Wind gusts between 15 and 25 miles per hour are expected, though conditions are not anticipated to reach advisory levels.
Looking ahead to the weekend, the heat will linger, with highs still near 100 degrees. However, changes are on the horizon.
As the high-pressure system begins to shift east, moisture is expected to move into the region. This could bring increased cloud cover and slightly cooler temperatures by late weekend into early next week.
There is also a slight chance for showers and thunderstorms, mainly in higher terrain areas of eastern Arizona, though rain chances for lower desert communities like Yuma remain low.
Even with the slight cooldown, temperatures are expected to remain above normal into early next week.
For now, residents are encouraged to treat conditions more like early summer than spring, staying hydrated, limiting outdoor activity during peak heat, and taking precautions to avoid heat-related illness.
