Phoenix being blown back into upper 80s this week as windy front moves in
Apr 25, 2017, 10:36 AM | Updated: 2:26 pm
PHOENIX — Phoenix may have been sizing up triple-digit heat, but that idea is being blown right out of town as a windy low pressure front moves in.
The National Weather Service said highs are expected to be in the upper 80s or low 90s this week in the Valley.
The system will cause high winds. The weather service issued an advisory from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday as winds were expected to be between 10 and 30 mph.
Gusts could be greater than 40 mph.
Haven't left your home yet? You may want to bring in any loose items you have outside! #phoenix #azwx pic.twitter.com/FO7t0kyQql
— NWS Phoenix (@NWSPhoenix) April 25, 2017
Blowing dust is also a possibility Tuesday, which could become a problem for drivers. Interstate 10 between San Simon, Arizona and Lordsburg, New Mexico, was closed because of blowing dust by 11 a.m.
CLOSURE: I-10 EB/WB near San Simon: Highway is closed for blowing dust from MP 352 to Lordsburg, NM. Alt. route US 191/US 70. #aztraffic pic.twitter.com/z0th9zopxd
— Arizona DOT (@ArizonaDOT) April 25, 2017
The weather service also issued a red flag warning, meaning conditions for wildfire — high winds and low humidity — would be present. That warning is also in effect through 8 p.m.
Crews are already battling at least one wildfire in Arizona. The Sawmill Fire, burning about 40 miles from downtown Tucson, has consumed about 7,500 acres and forced evacuations.
The Sawmill Fire could be the first of a long wildfire season. Despite Arizona recording one of its best winter in years in terms of rain and snowfall, experts estimate the southern two-thirds of the state will experience higher-than-usual fire danger by the summer.
