TUCSON, Ariz. – The desert sky glows faintly before dawn, calm and cool with temperatures near 45°F. A few clouds drift over the Catalina Mountains — the quiet before a wetter weekend pattern builds across southern Arizona.
According to the National Weather Service in Tucson, a Pacific disturbance is set to move into the region by Saturday afternoon, bringing a 40 to 80 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms through the evening. Rain totals will vary, with most areas expected to receive up to a quarter inch, though isolated downpours could bring higher amounts. Gusty winds and brief lightning may also accompany the storms, mainly between 2 p.m. and 11 p.m.
Drivers should stay alert during the afternoon and early evening hours as slick roads and reduced visibility could develop along I-10 and local arterials. After midnight, showers taper quickly, leaving behind cooler, clearer air. Sunday returns to mild sunshine, perfect for outdoor plans or early Thanksgiving travel.
High pressure builds next week, pushing highs back into the upper 60s to low 70s under sunny skies. By Thanksgiving Day, Tucson should stay warm and dry — ideal for travelers heading out across the Southwest.
Meanwhile, national models continue to track a potential heavy snow corridor (4–10 inches) forming across the Midwest and Great Lakes between November 25 and December 3, a system that could disrupt cross-country holiday routes.
Locally, the desert stays calm — but residents can expect a brief, lively burst of weather before the clear holiday stretch.
Five-Day Forecast for Tucson, AZ:
Fri: 68/48 – Partly sunny; calm breeze.
Sat: 74/48 – Showers, storms late; breezy.
Sun: 63/43 – Clearing skies; cooler air.
Mon: 66/42 – Sunny and mild.
Tue: 71/43 – Warm, bright; travel-friendly.
