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MOST ACCURATE FORECAST: Big changes coming to Arizona this weekend!

Phoenix will climb into the mid-90s Friday and Saturday, putting us just a few degrees above normal for this time of year.

By: Amber Sullins

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and last updated

PHOENIX — Phoenix is heading into the mid 90s Friday and Saturday, putting us just a few degrees above normal for this time of year.

With light winds and lots of sunshine, pollution will build up across the Valley today.

An Ozone High Pollution Advisory is now in effect, so if you have asthma, COPD, or any other respiratory issues, try to stay indoors during the afternoon. Breathing could become difficult as ozone levels rise.

Ozone exposure can lead to more frequent and severe asthma attacks, worsen bronchitis or other lung conditions, and make it harder for your body to fight infections.

Kids, older adults, and anyone exercising outdoors could feel the effects too. Symptoms might include itchy eyes, throat irritation, wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, or chest tightness.

To help reduce pollution, consider carpooling, taking public transportation, or working from home. Even waiting until after dark to pump gas can make a difference.

A weak storm system moving through today and tomorrow could bring a few isolated showers and thunderstorms to the high country and northern Arizona.

Then, a stronger storm system will move in on Sunday, bringing gusty winds, rain and snow chances, and a big dose of cool air.

Winds could gust over 45 mph across the high country and southeastern Arizona Saturday and Sunday, raising the wildfire risk.

Southern Arizona is under a Fire Weather Watch for Sunday, which may be upgraded to a Red Flag Warning as we get closer.

Sunday’s winds may also kick up some blowing dust, prompting another High Pollution Advisory from the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality.

If you have asthma, bronchitis, or COPD, limit your time outside on Sunday afternoon as the dust picks up.

Temperatures are expected to drop 10 to 20 degrees across Arizona by Sunday as this storm system tracks through. That will put the Valley back in the upper 70s to low 80s that afternoon.

Snow levels could dip to around 6,500 feet by Monday morning, with Flagstaff possibly picking up an inch or two or snow.

Here in the Valley, we’ll see a slight chance of isolated showers and thunderstorms on Sunday afternoon and evening. Some spots could pick up around a tenth of an inch of rain.

Isolated rain chances will linger into Monday and Tuesday, before the storm finally clears out.

Then, high pressure will return and heat us back into the 90s by Thursday.