Arizona – A clear, moonlit glow settles over the Santa Cruz Valley before sunrise as mild air drifts across I-10 and the desert floor stays warm enough to feel more like late October than mid-November. Skies look calm for now, yet the atmosphere hints at real change as the weekend approaches, and residents should prepare for a shift toward cooler, wetter weather by Sunday.
According to the National Weather Service in Tucson, today stays partly sunny and warm, pushing toward the upper 80s as light southeast winds fade into the morning. That warmth makes this a good day for early holiday prep, outdoor errands, or backyard work before conditions turn more unsettled. However, models highlight a new trend showing moisture pushing into southern Arizona late Saturday and Sunday, bringing increasing shower chances that could slow travel on I-10, I-19, and key local routes.
According to ADOT, drivers should stay aware of changing skies late Saturday as clouds thicken over the Catalina Mountains. A few isolated showers may form after midday. The better chance for measurable rain comes Sunday, especially during the afternoon when pockets of steadier showers may drift across Tucson and into Pima County. Wet pavement could create brief delays, particularly near higher terrain where winds often catch moisture and produce heavier bursts.
Saturday stays warm and breezy, but Sunday signals the real pivot. According to NWS Tucson, scattered showers may persist into Monday and Tuesday, with a small “winter tease” possible in the mountains if cold pockets line up with heavier bursts. No valley snow risk appears, yet the pattern still matters for early Thanksgiving planners. After all, November tends to flip quickly, and these smaller systems often set the stage for bigger pre-holiday weather shifts.
Five-Day Forecast for Tucson, AZ:
Fri: 88/56 – Sunny; warm and calm.
Sat: 82/57 – Partly sunny; slight shower chance late.
Sun: 70/48 – Showers possible; cooler trend.
Mon: 71/40 – Mostly sunny; crisp morning.
Tue: 70/46 – Scattered showers and storms; mild.
