Relief continues into week before temps climb again

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - If you've been enjoying the break from the triple-digit temperatures, don't get too comfortable as the summer heat is preparing to make its comeback.

Temperatures across the Desert Southwest have dipped below normal to start the week, thanks to a large trough of low pressure parked over the western United States.

That system has brought rare relief for late June, especially in areas like Phoenix, Yuma, and El Centro.

Sunday's highs stayed just shy of 100 degrees in many parts of the lower desert something we don't see often this time of year. In fact, Phoenix has only recorded a sub-100-degree day seven times between June 20 and June 30 in the last 25 years.

This brief cooldown won't last long. Starting Thursday, high pressure will begin to build back into the region, sending temperatures on a steady climb.

By the end of the workweek, highs are expected to return to above-normal territory, ranging from 105 to 109 degrees. The heat continues building into the weekend, with widespread 110s likely across the region by Friday or Saturday.

That means rising heat risk levels are on the way and for those spending time outdoors, heat safety precautions will need to be back in full effect.

Winds will continue to be breezy in the afternoons and evenings this week, especially across southeast California and Imperial County, with gusts reaching 15 to 25 miles per hour. These winds will ease up compared to recent days but still add an extra layer of fire weather concerns across dry terrain.

For now, the next few days bring a rare chance to enjoy slightly cooler afternoons before summer heat returns in full force. And while there's no major fire weather threat in the coming week, dry fuels and breezy conditions still mean it's important to stay fire-aware especially in areas that could see isolated lightning.

In the air, visibility issues from wildfire smoke near the border may cause some minor impacts across parts of southeast California, including Imperial County.

While most of the haze will remain lofted, some surface-level visibility could be reduced depending on local fire activity and wind direction.