The image to the left, which is the infrared satellite image and the upper air analysis for 8am this morning (March 31st) really tells the story for the next couple days. A ridge of high pressure is located over the southwestern United States, which has resulted in well above normal temperatures over the past few days. This high will continue to result in well above normal temperatures across the region for today, with high temperatures possibly reaching the 90 degree mark in many locations this afternoon. But, things will change tonight and tomorrow.

The low pressure system and associated cold front seen over the west coast of the United States in the image above, will move eastward with the cold front sweeping through the state tonight into tomorrow resulting in windy conditions and much cooler temperatures. In fact, temperatures tomorrow are likely to be in the mid to lower 70’s (near normal for this time of year).

Overall, expect well above normal temperatures today with breezy to windy conditions tonight and tomorrow with temperatures cooling to near or slightly below normal Sunday and Monday.

Cindy from Payson sent in the photos below showing the snowfall from the storm system that moved through the state on March 17th through 19th. Photos were taken in Payson and Pine, Arizona. Weather Bus.com thanks her for the wonderful photos. Enjoy!

Below is a visible satellite image taken at 11:40am (local time) on March 20th, showing the large amount of snow left behind from the very cold and powerful storm system that moved through the state on March 18th-19th. Nearly all of the white, with the exception of some clouds to the north of Eager is snow on the ground.

The tail end of a weak storm system is moving through the state today, leading to cloudy skies over the valley and light rain/snow showers in northern Arizona. The infrared satellite imagery to the right from 9:45am LST, shows the cloud cover associated with this system, which should be round the rest of the day with some clearing anticipated overnight. There is also a slight chance of rainfall throughout the day today but anything that falls should be rather light.

Another, stronger, storm system is forecasted to move into the region Monday, which will be discussed in more detail later.

Afternoon high temperatures have been rather comfortable over the past few days but that is likely to change beginning today through the end of the week. A large ridge of high pressure will build into the Southwestern United States today through the week which will result in a steady increase in temperatures. Highs today will be in the upper 80’s to lower 90’s, Tuesday in the mid 90’s and Thursday and Friday temperatures will be in the mid to upper 90’s with some locations even reaching the century mark. Some cooling is expected this weekend.

Skies should be sunny to mostly sunny throughout the time period, with morning temperatures still nice in the mid to upper 60’s.