Strong high pressure over the Desert Southwest will amplify through the end of the week, leading to above normal and even near-record high temperatures as highs locally approach 90 degrees. This ridge overhead will slowly drift east towards the Four Corners region over the weekend for cooler temperatures and increasing humidity with a return of the monsoon flow. Expect mostly clear skies through this evening with west winds 10-15 mph early on, tapering off after sunset with lows in the 50s. Sunny and warmer tomorrow as highs reach the mid to upper 80s, west winds 5-15 mph during the afternoon. Thursday appears to be the warmest day of the week with a high near 90 degrees, cooling slightly on Friday. We will also begin to see mid- to upper-level moisture trickle into the region, bringing afternoon clouds, but dry into the weekend. By Sunday, this 594dm ridge will be positioned near the Four Corners, allowing a moist southeast flow to advect monsoon moisture into the area. This may generate an afternoon shower or thunderstorm beginning Sunday before deeper moisture arrives early next week, elevating the risk for afternoon storms, primarily over the mountains and deserts, for now. The monsoon flow appears to be become well established over the region next week, with showers and thunderstorms possible at times. This time of year, the flow tends to ebb and flow with afternoon convection varying in coverage and intensity from day to day.

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