PHOENIX – A warming trend will begin for Arizona as the strong area of low pressure that brought wind, rain and snow to the state earlier this week has moved east. Temperatures will be back above average starting next week, along with sunny and dry conditions as high pressure builds in this weekend.
The forecast for Thursday looks to be dry but much cooler than normal. We’ll see a chilly start with temperatures in the 40s at sunrise, topping off in the low to mid-60s in the afternoon. UV levels will be high, at 7, which means about 30 minutes until a sunburn begins.
The high country can expect a chilly day as well. Lows in Flagstaff and along the Mogollon Rim will be in the teens, with Payson and Prescott in the upper 20s. Highs in those spots will be in the 30s and 40s. Tucson can expect a high of 60 degrees for Thursday.
Sunny and dry conditions will continue for the Valley for the weekend and into next week as a high pressure ridge moves into the western United States. Clouds will increase on Friday as a weak shortwave trough scoots across southern Arizona, but rain doesn’t look likely. The warm-up will continue next week, with expected highs Sunday in the 80s.
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