Tucson, Ariz. – Rain-cooled streets and damp desert air are giving Tucson a brief break from the heat this morning, but don’t let the quieter start fool you. Sunshine will quickly warm the city before another round of monsoon storms develops over Southern Arizona in the coming days.
Southern Arizona remains locked in an active summer weather pattern as temperatures climb back into the middle and upper 90s while daily monsoon thunderstorm chances increase through Tuesday. The changing pattern could bring brief downpours, lightning, gusty winds, and areas of blowing dust during the afternoon and evening.
According to the National Weather Service in Tucson, today will turn partly sunny with a high near 94 degrees after a slight chance of early showers fades. Sunday stays mostly sunny with a high near 96 degrees, while storm chances gradually increase early next week. Monday carries a slight chance of afternoon thunderstorms before the threat grows to 50% on Tuesday, when scattered thunderstorms become more likely across the Tucson metro.
Residents should remain weather-aware each afternoon. Monsoon storms can develop rapidly over the surrounding mountains before moving into the valleys. Heavy rain may briefly reduce visibility, while wind gusts can kick up blowing dust along Interstate 10, Interstate 19, State Route 77, and State Route 86. Drivers should slow down if visibility suddenly drops and never drive across flooded roadways.
The heat will continue building despite the daily storm chances. Highs reach 96 degrees through Tuesday, climb to 99 degrees Wednesday, and approach 102 degrees by Thursday. Stay hydrated, wear lightweight clothing, and limit strenuous outdoor activity during peak afternoon heat. Lightning remains the greatest hazard with any thunderstorm, while tornado potential across Southern Arizona remains very low.
Meteorologists continue tracking monsoon moisture across the Southwest, with scattered afternoon storms expected to remain part of the pattern for several days. Longer-range outlooks also favor above-normal temperatures during the 6-to-10-day period, meaning summer heat will continue even as daily storm chances persist.
Five-Day Forecast for Tucson, Arizona
- Today: Partly sunny. High 94°F.
- Sunday: Sunny. High 96°F.
- Monday: Mostly sunny with a 10% chance of afternoon thunderstorms. High 96°F.
- Tuesday: Partly sunny with a 50% chance of showers and thunderstorms. High 96°F.
- Wednesday: Mostly sunny with a 40% chance of afternoon thunderstorms. High 99°F.
