Tucson, Arizona – 40 mph wind gusts are creating hazardous travel and fire conditions through Saturday afternoon, as temperatures climb near 90°F and impact visibility and driving across southern Arizona. Blowing dust and strong winds are the primary concerns, especially during peak afternoon hours.
According to the National Weather Service in Tucson, a Wind Advisory remains in effect through early Saturday afternoon as east to southeast winds increase, with gusts reaching 30 to 40 mph across much of the region. High temperatures will still run well above normal, reaching near 90°F in Tucson, 92°F in Marana, and into the mid to upper 90s west toward Ajo and Gila Bend.
The strongest impacts are expected along Interstate 10 between Tucson and Phoenix, as well as along I-19 toward Nogales and State Route 90 near Sierra Vista, where gusty winds could reduce visibility with blowing dust. Areas such as Oracle, Benson, and Safford may also see stronger gusts exceeding 35 mph.
Residents should secure loose outdoor items and use caution while driving, especially in open desert areas prone to sudden dust reductions in visibility. Outdoor burning is discouraged due to dry conditions and gusty winds.
Conditions begin to shift Sunday, with a 20% to 45% chance of showers and isolated thunderstorms developing across southeast Arizona, especially near Tucson, Nogales, and Sierra Vista. Winds will gradually decrease, but changing weather may still impact travel into Sunday evening.
