PHOENIX (AZFamily)<\/b> \u2014 Another sunny and warm day is on tap for the Valley and the state, but big weather changes are likely for next week close to the holiday.<\/p>\n
Look for a high of 79 degrees today in the Valley, which is 14 degrees above normal for this time of year. Expect sunny skies and light winds, except for the high country, where breezy southwest winds are expected. Southwesterly winds of 10-20 mph could gust to 30 mph through the weekend as well. <\/p>\n
Strong high pressure currently off the coast of the Baja Peninsula will shift toward Arizona this weekend, bringing even warmer afternoon temperatures. Look for a high of 79 again Saturday and 80 degrees on Sunday. A forecast high of 83 degrees would set a new record Monday. Sunday\u2019s high would also be a record. <\/p>\n
By the middle of next week, weather models are indicating a pattern shift as a large trough of low pressure develops off the West Coast. There\u2019s a lot of uncertainty still as to when this trough will move onshore and how much moisture it will bring to Arizona. <\/p>\n
At this point, there\u2019s a 30-40% chance of showers on Christmas Eve and a 30% chance on Christmas Day. We expect to be able to fine tune this forecast as we know more about this storm in the next few days. We\u2019ll keep you posted. <\/p>\n
At this point, it looks like temperatures will cool slightly for the holiday with a forecast high of 75 degrees on both Wednesday and Thursday. That\u2019s still about 10 degrees above normal, but overcast skies are likely. In the high country, rain is also a possibility as snow levels look very very high with this warmer storm system. <\/p>\n
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