FORECAST: High winds and fire danger

Winds are picking up and temperatures are dropping as a storm system approaches from the west.

High winds and fire danger to end the week

By: Jorge Torres

PHOENIX — Winds are picking up and temperatures are dropping as a storm system approaches from the west.

Peak wind gusts could hit 25 to 30 mph in the Valley again today with gusts closer to 40 mph across parts of northern Arizona.

High winds and dry air are bringing increased fire danger to parts of our state, too.

Red Flag Warnings are in effect across northeastern Arizona from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m. on Friday.

Wind Advisories are also in effect on Friday along and northeast of the Mogollon Rim where gusts up to 45 mph are possible.

Outdoor burning is strongly discouraged. Do not flick cigarettes out the window and make sure nothing is dragging from your vehicle that could cause a spark.

Valley breezes will continue on Friday as cooler air moves in.

Temperatures will fall into the upper 80s here in Phoenix, which is around 10 degrees below average for late May.

Our Valley forecast looks to stay dry, but we could see a few spotty showers across northern Arizona today as this latest storm system starts to move out.

Then, high pressure returns over the weekend sending temperatures into the triple digits by Sunday.