PHOENIX – Sunny and dry conditions will return to Arizona as a strong ridge of high pressure builds in over the next few days. The 90s are forecast to come back to metro Phoenix starting Thursday before a series of weak low pressure systems knocks weekend temperatures down slightly, but rain isn’t expected with these systems.
Overnight temperatures in the Valley will bottom out in the upper 50s, climbing to a high Thursday of 90. Breezes will remain calm across the state as high pressure builds in. Abundant sunshine will linger through the weekend, resulting in high UV levels. Sunburn will begin on unprotected skin in 15 minutes. Using a sunscreen of at least an SPF 30 of greater is recommended during the late morning and afternoon hours if you are going to be outside.
Flagstaff, Window Rock and the Grand Canyon will see freezing temperatures tonight; Payson, Prescott and Sedona will dip into the 40s. Tucson will cool down to 50 tonight and rebound to 87 on Thursday. The high country will top out in the 60s and 70s, but breezes will remain a bit strong, with gusts approaching 20 mph along the Mogollon Rim and near the San Francisco Peaks.
Highs on Friday will top out in the upper 90s in metro Phoenix, with some spots across south-central Arizona approaching 100 degrees. Temperatures will begin to back off slightly on Saturday as a series of weak disturbances usher in some cooler air. However, highs will still top out in the low 90s through the beginning of next week.
