Arizona Braces for Wildfire Risk and Winter Weather Shift

TUCSON, Ariz. (KGUN) — Warmer, windy conditions are expected to elevate wildfire risks across southeastern Arizona this weekend, with a low-pressure system poised to bring rain and snow by midweek. The National Weather Service in Tucson has issued a Red Flag Warning for Pima, Santa Cruz, and Cochise counties, effective from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. MST on Saturday.

The warning highlights strong southwest winds, low relative humidity, and high fire danger. Sustained winds of 18 to 22 mph, with gusts up to 40 mph, combined with humidity levels as low as 7%, create conditions ripe for rapid fire spread. “Any fires that develop or are ongoing will have the potential to spread rapidly,” the National Weather Service cautioned.

By Tuesday night, the weather pattern will shift as a low-pressure system moves in, bringing light rain to southeastern Arizona and mountain snow. Snow levels are expected to drop to around 4,000 feet, with up to 10 inches of snow possible above 7,000 feet in the mountains northeast of Tucson. Rainfall totals are predicted to remain under a quarter of an inch.

Temperatures will also take a sharp turn, with highs dropping to the upper 50s by Wednesday and overnight lows nearing freezing. “Get ready for a wintry mix of weather next week,” said meteorologist Cuyler Diggs.

Residents are urged to stay informed and prepare for rapidly changing conditions. For detailed hazard information, visit weather.gov/Tucson.