textproduct: NWS Flagstaff

SYNOPSIS

Dry conditions with near-record high temperatures are expected through the weekend. Look for light winds through Saturday before southwest breezes increase on Sunday and early next week.

DISCUSSION

High pressure and a warming air mass will move across the southwest states today through Sunday. As a result, high temperatures will range from 15-20 degrees above normal approaching record levels each day through Sunday. Otherwise, generally light winds and varying amounts of high clouds are anticipated but with strengthening southwest winds later on Sunday as the high begins to shift eastward. On Monday, the high will shift east of Arizona opening the door to a series of shortwave troughs which will deliver a spell of unsettled weather and slight chances for showers starting Tuesday or Wednesday. A cooling trend is forecast with the series of shortwaves. In addition, periods of gusty southwest winds are forecast with each passing disturbance, strongest Monday and again on Wednesday.

AVIATION...Thursday 26/12Z through Friday 27/12Z

VFR conditions are expected. Look for light and variable winds through 18Z, then becoming W through N at 5-15 kts until 01Z. Generally light and variable winds less than 10 kts return overnight.

OUTLOOK...Friday 27/12Z through Sunday 01/12Z...VFR conditions are forecast. Friday will see W through N winds at 5-10 kts, shifting and increasing to W to SW at 5-15 kts on Saturday. Light and variable winds less than 10 kts overnight periods.

FIRE WEATHER...Today and Friday

Warm and dry conditions. Winds west to northwest at 5-15 mph both days. Minimum afternoon RH 20-35% on Thursday then lowering to 15-25% on Friday.

Saturday through Monday...Warm and dry conditions. Winds west at 5- 15 mph on Saturday, becoming southwest at 10-15 mph gusting to 25 mph on Sunday and Monday. Minimum afternoon RH 15-25% each day.

FGZ WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES

None.