Dust and smoke cause dramatic sunsets for Maricopa. Photo by Mason Callejas

Hang on to your hats and don’t play with fire Maricopa. The weekend is going to be windy, according to the National Weather Service.

A Red Flag Warning will be in effect most of Friday as heavy winds roll into the area around midday kicking up dust and increasing the chance for wildfire. After that, temperatures will cool as winds settle down and make for a pleasant weekend.

Thursday night should be mostly clear and breezy with winds gusting up to 15 mph and a low temperature of about 64.

Friday will likely be windy with gusts up to 25 mph during the day and 35 mph at night. Patches of blowing dust are possible in the early afternoon and evening while temperatures hit a high around 86 and a low near 55

Saturday should be cool, sunny and considerably calmer with temperatures reaching a high around 79 and dipping to a low near 54 while a light breeze blows around 10 mph.

Sunday is likely to also be sunny and calm with a high around 86 during the day and a low near 58 at night.