Area Forecast Discussion
Issued by NWS Tucson, AZ
Issued by NWS Tucson, AZ
462 FXUS65 KTWC 171019 AFDTWC Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Tucson AZ 319 AM MST Thu Sep 17 2026 .SYNOPSIS...Lingering showers this morning with a chance of storms along the Arizona and New Mexico border this afternoon and evening. Drier conditions move in Friday limiting the daily chance through this weekend into early next week. High temperatures will be below normal today, then be around normal Friday into early next week. && .DISCUSSION...The tropical low that brought widespread rains to southeast Arizona yesterday has opened up to a short-wave trough and is moving NE into northeast Arizona this morning in advance of an upper low that was over northern California. Radar showed isolated to scattered light showers across eastern half of forecast area. These showers should end from south to north by sunrise. With surface RH values in the 90-100 percent range, some patchy fog, briefly dense, may develop before sunrise if there is some clearing. For today: Dry across most of the forecast area. The exception will be near/along the AZ/NM border this afternoon with a chance of showers and thunderstorms exist. Tonight into Friday: The short-wave trof that is currently over central Baja will lift NE across the area later tonight into Friday. Although the dynamics with this feature is weak, can`t rule out isolated light showers. This weekend through Monday: Drier air finally begins to filter into southeast Arizona as flow aloft shifts more westerly. This could help limit thunderstorm activity somewhat and keep activity mainly east and south of Tucson. High temperatures return to at or slightly above normal. Tuesday and Wednesday: Moisture advection out ahead of a southern stream system with bring a chance of afternoon storms to the eastern zones both days. 8 to 14 day outlooks (The Sep 24 to Wed Sep 30) Temperature: Leaning above normal, 47-52% chance Precipitation: Leaning above normal, 47-52% chance && .AVIATION..Valid thru 18/12Z. BKN-SCT 4k-6k ft AGL with ISOLD -SHRA thru 17/15z then FEW-SCT 4k-6k ft thru 17/22z. Slgt chc for ISOLD -SHRA nr AZ/NM border btwn 17/20z and 18/02z. SFC winds S-SE less than 10 kts. Aviation discussion not updated for TAF amendments. && .FIRE WEATHER...Lingering showers this morning with a chance of storms along the Arizona and New Mexico border this afternoon and evening. Drier conditions move in Friday limiting the daily chance through this weekend into early next week. High temperatures will be below normal today and Thursday, then be around normal Friday into early next week. Min RH values mainly 20 to 45 percent in the valleys and 35 to 65 percent in the mountains over the next week. RH recoveries will continue to be excellent overnight. Winds will generally remain less than 15 mph and terrain driven. Gusty and erratic winds will accompany thunderstorms. && .HYDROLOGY...All elevated flows in creeks, washes, rivers that occurred in the past 12 hours have mostly peaked and are receding this morning. && .TWC WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...None. && $$ Visit us on Facebook, X, YouTube, and at weather.gov/Tucson