You’re waking up in the Old Pueblo, and it’s 45°F. Honestly, if you aren't from around here, that sounds like a joke for "winter." But in the high desert of the Sonoran, that early morning air hits different. It's crisp. It's dry. And if you’re looking at the 7-day forecast tucson arizona for this mid-January stretch, you’re about to see exactly why people pay the "sun tax" to live here.
Basically, we are entering a "Goldilocks" week. Not too hot, definitely not freezing, and remarkably consistent.
Today, Tuesday, January 13, 2026, we’re looking at a high of 70°F. It’s a perfect, clear-sky kind of day. The wind is barely a whisper at 4 mph coming from the southeast, and the humidity is hanging out at 48%. It’s the kind of weather that makes you want to cancel your morning meetings and head straight for the Chuck Huckelberry Loop.
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The Mid-Week Heat "Spike"
Here is where it gets interesting. Tomorrow, Wednesday, January 14, the temperature jumps up to 76°F. Now, 76°F in January is about 10 degrees above our historical average. Most people think Tucson is just "always hot," but our normal high for mid-January is usually closer to 66°F. This little warm-up is a gift. The UV index is staying at a 3, which is moderate, but don't let the "winter" label fool you—the desert sun still bites if you’re out on a trail for three hours without a hat.
The wind picks up a bit on Wednesday too, hitting about 9 mph from the east. It's not a gale, but it’s enough to make the palm trees do that dry, clacking sound that defines Arizona afternoons.
By Thursday, January 15, we settle back into the mid-70s. Expect a high of 74°F and a low of 49°F. There’s a tiny, tiny 5% chance of rain overnight Thursday, with some periodic clouds moving in. It’s barely worth mentioning, but in a town that obsesses over every drop of water, it's the closest thing we have to a "storm" this week.
Weekend Vibes and the Cloudy Shift
If you’re planning a trip to Saguaro National Park or thinking about hitting the Fourth Avenue Winter Street Fair (if the timing aligns), the weekend looks solid. Friday and Saturday (January 16 and 17) are carbon copies of each other: sunny, 73°F highs, and lows in the upper 40s.
It's spectacular hiking weather. Seriously.
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But keep an eye on Sunday, January 18. The humidity drops down to 20%, and we might see some clouds rolling in. There’s a 10% chance of rain during the day and night. Again, it’s a long shot, but the sky will likely lose that deep, sapphire blue for a more muted, "mostly sunny" look.
The real shift happens next Monday, January 19. The clouds take over. We’re looking at a high of 71°F, but the uv index drops to a 1. If you’ve spent any time here, you know that "cloudy" in Tucson usually just means "spectacular sunset." With an 18% humidity level and 9 mph winds from the east, it’ll feel a bit cooler than the thermometer says.
Why This Forecast Matters
The 7-day forecast tucson arizona right now is a prime example of the "January Thaw." While the rest of the country is digging out of snow or dealing with gray slush, we are sitting in a pocket of 70-degree bliss.
But here’s the nuanced take: This warmth is actually a bit concerning for the long term. Local experts, like those at the University of Arizona’s Center for Applied Hydroclimate Sciences, have been tracking how our winters are becoming less extreme. We’re seeing fewer days below freezing—about 9 fewer days per year than we did in the 70s. That matters for the desert plants that actually need a "chill period" to thrive.
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When you see a 76°F high in January, it’s great for your golf game, but it’s a sign of a shifting climate.
Actionable Tips for This Week
- Layer like a pro: You’ll need a hoodie at 7:00 AM when it's 45°F, but you’ll be in a T-shirt by 1:00 PM when it hits 70°F. Don't get caught shivering or sweating.
- Hydrate more than you think: The humidity is dropping as the week goes on, hitting a bone-dry 18% by Monday. You won't feel yourself sweating, but you are. Drink water.
- Check the east wind: Most of our wind this week is coming from the east/northeast. If you’re a cyclist, plan your routes so you aren't fighting a 9 mph headwind on your way back home.
- Sunscreen is non-negotiable: Even with a UV index of 3, the thin mountain air and clear skies mean you’re getting more radiation than you realize.
Tucson is showing off this week. Enjoy the 70s while they last, because once May hits, we’ll all be dreaming of these 45-degree mornings. Stay hydrated and get outside before the Monday clouds arrive.
Next Steps: You can use this window of clear weather to visit the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum or take advantage of the 74°F Thursday to hike the Seven Falls trail at Sabino Canyon before the slight chance of overnight rain.