Red Flag Warning In Effect Tuesday In Tucson: NWS

TUCSON, AZ — A red flag warning is in effect for the majority of Pima County Tuesday, including the city of Tucson, according to the National Weather Service.

The weather service predicts moderate red-flag conditions for a portion of southeast Pima County.

Meanwhile, a drop in temperatures late Tuesday will increase the chances of light snow heading into Wednesday.

Tuesday's NWS forecast calls for a high of 76 degrees in Tucson, though a wind advisory is in effect and there is a chance of blowing dust.

According to the NWS, the red flag warning is in effect for southeast Arizona, while a wind advisory is in effect for far southeast Arizona. Winds in some areas could reach gusts of 35 to 50 mph.

A red flag warning means that critical fire weather conditions are happening or are expected to develop, according to the weather service. On Tuesday, those condition are expected to include a combination of strong winds, low relative humidity and dry vegetation.

The wind advisory means there could be reduced visibility due to blowing dust and strong winds may make driving difficult in some areas.

The NWS lists these risks as "minor" in both the Tucson Metro area and in western Pima County. However, in Santa Cruz County and southeast Pima County, the risk level is elevated to "moderate."

Fire and wind risk levels fall back to "little to none" for all of Pima County on Wednesday and Thursday.

Overnight Tuesday, temperatures will fall, with a high of just 59 degrees projected for Tucson on Wednesday.

The NWS reported there could be light rain and even mountain snow Tuesday night through Wednesday afternoon from Tucson eastward.

Temperatures could warm up slightly later in the week, with Thursday's high in Tucson projected at 64 degrees, with temperatures rising to 69 degrees the following day.

Get your in-depth Tucson and Pima County forecasts from the NWS.