Warming trend returns with breezy weekend in the Desert Southwest

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - After a cool and cloudy start to the week, warmer and drier conditions are returning just in time for the weekend.

High temperatures will remain seasonal over the next couple of days, staying in the low to mid-80s across Yuma and Imperial Counties. That's pretty average for early April, but don't get too comfortable. A noticeable warming trend is on the way.

Saturday will bring breezier conditions, especially across the Imperial Valley, where gusty winds could kick up dust in some rural areas. While no alerts have been issued as of Saturday, it's important to keep an eye out.

Behind the scenes, a slow-moving low pressure system is exiting the region and making way for high pressure to build in starting Sunday. That means a quick and steady warm-up heading into next week.

By Monday, temperatures will already begin trending above normal. Daytime highs could rise nearly five degrees each day, pushing well into the 90s by midweek. Forecast models suggest we could even see our first 100-degree days of the year by Thursday or Friday.

Humidity will also drop significantly, with relative humidity values falling below 10% midweek. This dry air, combined with gusty winds and warming temperatures, will elevate fire weather concerns by next week.

Looking ahead, a Pacific system may move in by next weekend and bring some temporary relief from the heat, but for now, the desert is heating up again.

Make sure to check in with our full weather forecast each evening, and be on the lookout for any weekend alerts from the National Weather Service.