Area Forecast Discussion
Issued by NWS Flagstaff, AZ

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290
FXUS65 KFGZ 231645
AFDFGZ

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Flagstaff AZ
945 AM MST Thu May 23 2024

.SYNOPSIS...A dry and breezy weather pattern will remain in place
across northern Arizona through Saturday with the strongest winds
and near critical fire weather conditions on Friday. By Sunday
and into next week, high pressure will bring lighter winds and a
noticeable warming trend.

&&

.UPDATE...Sunshine abounds with no changes or updates needed to
the forecast. Expect near seasonal temperatures this afternoon
which is already a bit too warm in my personal opinion. Winds are
already picking up this morning with breezy conditions out of the
southwest remaining throughout the day.

&&

.PREV DISCUSSION /331 AM MST/...A broad trough of low pressure
remains over the western United States, with the bulk of the
trough residing to our north. This pattern will remain in place
through Saturday, with a few s/wvs increasing our daytime winds,
especially on Friday. The entire pattern becomes more progressive
by Sunday and into next week, with rebounding hghts and decreased
winds as the gradients weaken.

Southwest winds on Friday will likely just reach, or even exceed
Wind Advisory Criteria over parts of the LCR. However, widespread
Wind Advisory conditions are not expected. In addition, very low
afternoon relative humidity values will make for near Critical Fire
Weather conditions, although fuels remain suspect. For now, we will
hold off any headlines for Friday, but we are right around the 50
percent decision threshold for now. Thursday and Saturday feature
similar conditions, but wind speeds will not be as strong.

Higher hghts for next week will bring a warming trend, reaching
above normal by next Tuesday or Wednesday.

There is no precipitation in sight.

&&

.AVIATION...Thursday 23/12Z through Friday 24/12Z...MVFR conditions
possible in HZ/FU in vicinity of KCMR/KFLG as well as BLDU near
KINW. VFR conditions otherwise expected. Winds SW 10-20 kts with
gusts 20-30 kts before 03Z, then subsiding to 10 kts or less.

OUTLOOK...Friday 24/12Z through Sunday 26/12Z...MVFR conditions
possible in HZ/FU in vicinity of KCMR/KFLG as well as BLDU near
KINW. VFR conditions otherwise expected. Winds SW 15-25 kts with
gusts 30-40 kts on Friday, subsiding to 10-20 kts with gusts up to
30 kts on Saturday.

&&

.FIRE WEATHER...Today and Friday...Mild temperatures and dry
conditions. Southwest winds 15-25 mph, increasing to 20-30 mph with
gusts 30-40 mph on Friday. Afternoon minimum RH values 10-20%. Near-
critical fire weather conditions are possible across northeastern
Arizona on Friday.

Saturday through Monday...Warming temperatures and continued dry
conditions. West/southwest winds 15-25 mph on Saturday, subsiding to
around 5-15 mph for Sunday and Monday. Afternoon minimum RH values
15-25% on Sunday, then falling to 10-20% for Sunday and Monday.

&&

.FGZ WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...None.

&&

$$

PUBLIC...Mazon/Peterson
AVIATION...Humphreys
FIRE WEATHER...Humphreys

For Northern Arizona weather information visit
weather.gov/flagstaff