FXUS65 KTWC 292035
AFDTWC

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Tucson AZ
135 PM MST Tue Apr 29 2025

.SYNOPSIS...Cooler temperatures continue this afternoon, then a
warming trend through the end of the work week with above normal
afternoon temperatures returning by Thursday. A weather system will
move through this weekend bringing breezy to windy conditions winds
and fire weather concerns as well as cooler temperatures.

&&

.DISCUSSION...Mostly sunny skies across the forecast area this
afternoon with the exception of the White Mountains where skies are
partly cloudy. The region is under the influence of an upper level
low across northern Arizona. This system is continuing to result in
below normal temperatures this afternoon with dry conditions this
far south. A few build-ups and a slight chance of a shower or
thunderstorm this afternoon across northern Greenlee County where
higher moisture levels and orographic lift will help. Breezes will
continue this afternoon but remain below critical thresholds for
fire weather.

Shortwave ridging moves in for Wednesday into Thursday. This will
allow a warming trend in temperatures as highs on Wednesday warm to
seasonable levels and then an additional few degrees on Thursday to
slightly above normal levels. Expect continued afternoon
breezes/gustiness each day.

A weak cut-off upper low will move into the region on Friday. This
system won't have much in the way of sensible weather changes in
temperatures but there will be just enough moisture for a slight
chance (less than 20%) of showers for the White Mountains. Dry
conditions for the rest of the region. Afternoon breezes in the 10
to 20 mph range continue Friday with some higher gusts.

A more significant longwave trough will approach the region on
Saturday, with an upper low cutting off thereafter as it pushes into
the lower Colorado River Valley Sunday and continuing to hang around
into Monday, though there is some variance on the timing/placement
by Monday in the ensemble guidance. This will translate to an uptick
in winds on Saturday, though still remaining below critical
thresholds for fire weather and then stronger and gusty winds area-
wide Sunday, which looks to be the day with the strongest winds. If
these trends continue, Sunday is a day that some wind or fire
headlines could be needed. While there are differences on the
placement of the system Monday, lingering gusty winds are expected,
especially east of Tucson. This system will usher in much cooler
temperatures for Sunday and Monday with the forecast high of 75 in
Tucson Monday. For reference the normal high for Monday is 88
degrees. Gradual warming is expected thereafter.

&&

.AVIATION...Valid through 01/00Z.
FEW clouds 10k-12k ft AGL this afternoon, otherwise SKC through the
period. SFC winds SWLY/WLY this afternoon with speeds of 10-15 kts
and gusts 20-25 kts. The strongest winds will be in the vicinity of
KDUG and KSAD. After 30/02Z, SFC winds will slowly diminish to less
than 10 kts and mainly terrain driven. SFC winds aft 30/19Z then
become SWLY/WLY around 10 kts with gusts up to around 20 kt.
Aviation discussion not updated for TAF amendments.

&&

.FIRE WEATHER...Winds this afternoon of 10-15 mph with the strongest
winds in portions of Cochise County and the Gila River Valley.
Expect similar speeds for the rest of the week with the occasional
gust in the afternoon. Temperatures will trend warmer by the end of
the week. There is a slight chance (<15%) for very light
precipitation and a rumble of thunder in the White Mountains this
afternoon. Looking ahead to the weekend, another storm system
approaching from the Pacific will cause windy conditions with
increasing potential for fire weather concerns. At this time, the
strongest winds look to be Sunday when the greatest potential to see
widespread critical fire weather conditions is expected. Residual
gusty winds will continue especially east of Tucson on Monday as
much cooler temperatures move in area-wide.

&&

.TWC WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
None.

&&

$$

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