Sunny days, cool temps expected this week

Monday’s high winds and rain are expected to move out of the area by Tuesday and leave behind sunny skies with temperatures in the mid 50s.

According to the National Weather Service, when the storm system blows out of the area, a cold front will set in for a few days. The cold front is expected to keep highs in the mid 50s and overnight lows near freezing. Residents should take precautions while working outside and watch for road hazards.

“In the wake of a strong Pacific cold front, cold temperatures are forecast across the lower desert elevations of western and south-central Arizona Tuesday and Wednesday mornings,” the NWS released in a statement. “Widespread freezing temperatures will likely be held off Tuesday morning, but pockets of near-freezing temperatures are possible in the lowest elevations and outlying desert locales.”

Monday is expected to remain cloudy with a high of 57 degrees. A wind advisory has been issued for the area as gusts could reach up to 35 mph throughout the day. The wind should calm to 20 mph overnight, but a slight chance of rain will persist until Tuesday morning. The overnight low is expected to drop to 34 degrees.

The storm system should move out of the area by Tuesday morning and the sunshine should return. However, despite the sunny skies, the temperature high is projected to remain cool at 55 degrees. The wind should calm to 10 mph, and the overnight low is projected to drop below freezing at 30 degrees.

“Wednesday morning should be the coldest morning of the week with more widespread potential for at or just below freezing temperatures” the NWS said. “Things to consider during these cold episodes are to cover sensitive plants, protect pipes and irrigations systems and provide a warm place for pets and animals that are normally outside.”

Wednesday should see sunny skies with a high near 58 degrees. The wind should stay steady at 10 mph, but occasional gusts could reach 15 mph. The overnight low is projected to drop to 33 degrees.

The cold front should move out of the area by Thursday morning. Residents should see mostly sunny skies with a high near 64 degrees. The wind should gust between 5 and 10 mph, the overnight low is projected to drop to 36 degrees.

The weekend is expected to remain sunny and see temperatures climb back into the low 70s. More information will be available as the week comes to a close.