Area Forecast Discussion
Issued by NWS Flagstaff, AZ

Current Version |  Previous Version |  Text Only |  Print | Product List |  Glossary On
Versions: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50
-- Remove Highlighting --
-- Discussion containing changed information from previous version are highlighted. --
257 FXUS65 KFGZ 310443 AFDFGZ Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Flagstaff AZ 943 PM MST Thu May 30 2024 .SYNOPSIS...Look for dry and warm weather along with afternoon breezes out of the west to southwest each day into next week. Over the weekend we will see slightly stronger gusts compared to Thursday and Friday with a passing weak weather disturbance. && .UPDATE...
-- Changed Discussion --
Expect tranquil weather conditions across northern Arizona overnight with near-average temperatures and mostly clear skies. Anticipate more cloud cover along the high terrain for tomorrow afternoon with a slight chance for a stray rain/virga shower. Breezy afternoon southwest winds, 15-30 mph, persist through this weekend with 5 degree above average temperatures. Besides for some tweaks to the high and low temperatures for tonight and tomorrow, no other changes were made to the near-term forecast.
-- End Changed Discussion --
&& .PREV DISCUSSION /436 PM MST/...
-- Changed Discussion --
In the short run not much to talk about. Arizona will remain under a general west to southwest flow. It will remain dry with day to day variations in those afternoon winds as weak shortwave disturbances brush the state. Later next week high pressure will build over the western state as a weak low centaur meanders off the Baja California coast. The result will be increasing heat and moisture starting Wednesday or Thursday of next week. For Friday into Tuesday...A mainly dry west to southwest flow will remain over Arizona. Look for little change in daytime highs and overnight lows. A passing disturbance will deliver gusty afternoon winds on Saturday and Sunday, generally southwest at 10 to 20 mph gusting to around 30 mph. There will be just a touch of moisture increase on Friday in advance of the disturbance for a few extra afternoon cloud buildups and even a stray virga shower or sprinkle. From Wednesday onward...High pressure builds over the western states as a weak low becomes stationed off the Baja California coast. The pattern of high over the west and low off the coast will generate south to southeast flow over Mexico and into Arizona. The first impact of this pattern, and the one we`re most confident in, will be to push a warmer air mass over Arizona from over Mexican Plateau. The second less certain potential impact, the southerly flow will extend so far south that a hint of tropical Eastern Pacific moisture could find it`s way into Arizona. What would be the results? The first, downright hot weather looks to be headed for Arizona with the potential for the first 110 F day in the low desert areas and mid to upper 80s in the mountains. The second, with the increased moisture could see a high-based thunderstorm day or two late next week. These would be considered dry thunderstorms with not much rain but plenty of lightning and gusty winds. We`ll see but definitely something to keep track of.
-- End Changed Discussion --
&& .AVIATION...Friday 31/00Z through Saturday 01/00Z...Expect VFR conditions. Daytime sfc winds SW10-20g25kts, otherwise light and variable in the overnight and early morning periods. OUTLOOK...Saturday 01/00Z through Monday 03/00Z...Expect VFR conditions. Daytime sfc winds SW10-20g25-30kts, otherwise light and variable in the overnight and early morning periods. && .FIRE WEATHER...
-- Changed Discussion --
Friday through Saturday...Above average temperatures and dry conditions continue. Scattered mid-level cumulus development Friday afternoon may produce some VIRGA, or a sprinkle, over higher terrain. Southwest winds 10 to 20 mph each afternoon, with gusts to 25 mph. Gusts to 30 mph possible Saturday. Winds light and variable in the overnight hours. Sunday through Tuesday...Warm temperatures and dry conditions each day. Southwest winds 10 to 20 mph each afternoon, with gusts to 25 mph. Winds light and variable in the overnight hours.
-- End Changed Discussion --
&& .FGZ WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...None. && $$ PUBLIC...LaGuardia/McCollum AVIATION...Peterson FIRE WEATHER...Peterson For Northern Arizona weather information visit weather.gov/flagstaff