TUCSON, Ariz. – Warm desert air holds steady over the valley this morning, but change is on the horizon. After another bright, dry stretch through Thursday, moisture from the Pacific will sweep into southern Arizona—setting the stage for a few showers by late Friday and into the weekend.
According to the National Weather Service in Tucson, Thursday will stay mostly sunny and warm, with highs near 87°F and light southeast winds. By Friday, clouds will thicken as a weak upper-level system crosses the state, raising rain chances to 20–30 percent across Pima County. The best opportunity for light rain arrives Friday evening through Saturday morning, with locally heavier showers possible along I-10 between Tucson and Benson.
Travelers and weekend event organizers should prepare for damp pavement, slick intersections, and cooler air settling in by Saturday. While rainfall totals look light—generally under a quarter inch—brief downpours may interrupt outdoor plans or delay early holiday setups. Highs will dip back to near 80°F Saturday and drop further into the upper 60s by Sunday.
By early next week, drier air returns with sunshine and seasonal temperatures. Long-range models hint at another moisture surge around midweek, suggesting a “winter tease” could emerge just before Thanksgiving week travel begins.
Meanwhile, early risers may still notice faint communications issues this morning as effects from the recent G4 solar storm linger across the Southwest, though most systems have stabilized overnight.
Five-Day Forecast for Tucson, AZ:
Thu: 87/55 – Mostly sunny; light southeast wind.
Fri: 85/58 – Increasing clouds; slight shower chance late.
Sat: 80/54 – Scattered showers early; breezy and cooler.
Sun: 68/48 – Partly sunny; crisp desert air returns.
Mon: 70/49 – Sunny and calm; pleasant late fall day.
