TUCSON, AZ — A faint orange glow spreads over the Catalina Mountains as dawn breaks, lighting up clouds drifting from the west. The air feels fresh — damp, almost electric — as southern Arizona braces for one more pulse of late-fall rain before the desert sun takes back control.
According to the National Weather Service in Tucson, a chance of showers and isolated thunderstorms will develop later today, with brief downpours possible during the afternoon and early evening. Winds may pick up from the southeast at 10 mph, but any rain should taper by Sunday morning. Roads along I-10 and Route 86 may briefly slick up during the heaviest cells, so travelers should allow extra time.
Sunday brings partly sunny skies and highs near 65°F, followed by a return to dry, classic desert weather for the rest of the week. Monday through Thanksgiving Day look nearly ideal, with highs climbing into the upper 60s and low 70s, calm winds, and bright sunshine — perfect for travel, hiking, or outdoor decorating ahead of the holiday.
While Tucson stays mild, a major cold front is expected to drop into the central and eastern U.S. beginning Thanksgiving Day, bringing heavy snow, frost, and freezing rain to several regions. Those flying east should check for potential weather-related travel disruptions mid- to late-week.
Five-Day Outlook (Tucson, AZ)
- Sunday: Spotty showers, high 65°F
- Monday: Sunny, high 66°F
- Tuesday: Sunny, high 70°F
- Wednesday: Mostly sunny, high 74°F
- Thanksgiving Day: Warm and bright, high 78°F
