Windy Sunday raises visibility, wildfire risks in Tucson

Gusts up to 40 mph could reduce visibility on I-10, followed by chance of dry thunderstorms.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 2:40pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A vast, hazy landscape painting with a dramatic, cloudy sky and a lone, windswept tree in the foreground, conveying the overwhelming scale and power of the natural environment.A sweeping, atmospheric landscape captures the sublime power of the elements as high winds and the threat of dry thunderstorms loom over the Tucson region.Tucson Today

The National Weather Service in Tucson has issued a wind advisory for the region, with gusts up to 40 mph expected on Sunday. The high winds could reduce visibility from blowing dust, especially along Interstate 10 near the Arizona-New Mexico border. The windy conditions will be followed by a chance of dry thunderstorms later in the day, which could increase the risk of wildfires due to the dry conditions across the area.

Why it matters

Tucson and much of Southeast Arizona are prone to high winds and dust storms, which can create hazardous driving conditions and increase the risk of wildfires. Dry thunderstorms are also a concern, as they can spark new blazes without producing any rain to help extinguish them.

The details

The National Weather Service says the wind advisory will be in effect until this afternoon, with gusts of up to 40 mph possible. The high winds are expected to reduce visibility, especially along a stretch of Interstate 10 from Willcox to San Simon near the Arizona-New Mexico border. After the windy conditions subside, the region could see dry thunderstorms develop later in the day. While these storms won't produce any rainfall, the lightning strikes they generate can ignite new wildfires due to the dry conditions across the area.

  • The wind advisory is in effect until this afternoon (April 19, 2026).
  • Gusts up to 40 mph are possible during the windy conditions on Sunday morning.
  • The windy conditions are expected to be followed by a chance of dry thunderstorms later in the day on Sunday.

The players

National Weather Service in Tucson

The local office of the National Weather Service that issued the wind advisory and forecast for the Tucson region.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

The takeaway

Residents and travelers in the Tucson area should be prepared for hazardous driving conditions due to high winds and blowing dust on Sunday. The risk of wildfires will also be elevated later in the day due to the potential for dry thunderstorms.