Warm-up begins with 90s returning by the weekend

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) - Cooler air is still hanging around to start the week, but a gradual warm-up is on the way across the Desert Southwest.

Monday will stay mild with sunny skies and highs in the upper 70s to low 80s, below average for late April.

By Tuesday and Wednesday, temperatures rebound into the mid to upper 80s as a ridge begins to build, with a few more high clouds moving in by midweek.

Looking ahead, Thursday is the day to watch. A passing weather system could bring a chance for showers and even a few thunderstorms, mainly in the afternoon and evening.

Confidence is still low on how much rain we'll actually see, but any storms could also bring gusty winds and areas of blowing dust.

Behind that system, warmer air quickly returns. Highs are expected to climb into the low to mid 90s by the weekend, marking the first real push toward hotter desert conditions this season.