⛈️ Weather — Tucson
⚠️ **Extreme Heat Warning in effect until 8:00 PM MST Sunday, March 22** — issued by NWS Tucson. Dangerously hot conditions with afternoon highs of 99–106°F across Pima County and southern Arizona (zones AZZ501–509). NWS Tucson describes the event as a "historic March heat wave" driven by a strong ridge of high pressure producing record-setting temperatures for the month. Heat-related illness risk is significantly elevated. Limit outdoor activity during peak afternoon hours; heat stroke is a medical emergency — call 9-1-1.
Today (Saturday, March 21): Sunny, high near 101°F. West wind 1–10 mph. 0% precipitation. Tonight: Clear, low around 62°F. WSW wind 2–9 mph. Sunday: Sunny, high near 100°F. SSW wind 2–12 mph, gusts to 21 mph. 0% precipitation. Outlook: The intense high-pressure ridge is beginning to weaken, but well-above-normal temperatures and likely daily record highs are forecast through at least the end of next week. Highs remain in the upper 90s through Tuesday. NWS 8–14 day outlook: temperatures likely above normal (69–72%), precipitation leaning slightly above normal (40–53%).
NWS Tucson Forecast API
🏛️ Government
Pima County voters approve RTA Next, a $2.67 billion regional transportation plan. By margins of roughly 3-to-2, voters passed both propositions in RTA Next, extending a half-cent sales tax for 20 years to fund regional transportation improvements across the greater Tucson area. The result was reported Wednesday following last week's election.
Tucson Local Media / Explorer News
Tucson and Pima County to rename César Chávez holiday. The city and county will retain the paid holiday currently bearing the name of the late labor leader and Latino icon, but will no longer use his name following recent controversy. The holiday date and employee benefit are preserved; only the designation will change pending further review.
Arizona budget negotiations collapse as Gov. Hobbs exits talks, citing Republican "unseriousness." Gov. Katie Hobbs announced Friday she was suspending all state budget negotiations until GOP lawmakers publicly released their budget plan, accusing Republican legislative leaders of refusing to engage with a Prop. 123 school funding renewal and proposing tax cuts for "billionaires and special interests." Republican Senate President Warren Petersen and House Speaker Steve Montenegro accused Hobbs of a "temper tantrum." At stake is the revival of Proposition 123, whose $300 million in annual K–12 education funding expired last year — with direct implications for Tucson-area school districts.
🚨 Public Safety
Pima County Sheriff: Nancy Guthrie abduction probe "not even close" to cold case. Sheriff Chris Nanos said Friday the investigation into the apparent abduction of 84-year-old Tucson resident Nancy Guthrie remains active, adding, "We have some DNA that we think is still workable." Nanos offered a wide-ranging interview on the case, pushing back on characterizations that the investigation has stalled.
I-19 southbound closed in Green Valley due to crash. As of early Saturday morning, Interstate 19 southbound is closed at kilometer post 63 (milepost 39) in Green Valley, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation. The northbound lanes are unaffected; no estimated reopening time has been given. Motorists should seek alternate routes.
Head-on crash closes Highway 80 in St. David. A two-vehicle head-on collision closed Highway 80 in Cochise County near St. David (milepost 304) late Friday night. Cochise County Sheriff Mark Dannels warned the closure would be extended and advised drivers to find alternate routes.
🏗️ Development & Business
Renovations begin at Tucson House, 1501 N. Oracle Road. Work is underway at the landmark mid-rise at North Oracle Road following a March 10 groundbreaking ceremony attended by Gov. Katie Hobbs and Tucson Mayor Regina Romero. The project brings new life to a prominent but long-dormant structure; details on the planned use were not provided in available reports.
Tucson Local Media / Explorer News
Tucson startup developing technology to store solar power for nighttime grid use. A new company incubated through the University of Arizona is developing a system to capture excess solar energy during the day and release it to the electric grid at night — part of a broader profile of how Southern Arizona's research ecosystem is generating local startups and jobs.
🎉 Community & Events
Marana celebrates Founders' Day today with parade and festivities. The annual Founders' Day Parade and Festivities runs 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 21, at the Ed Honea Marana Municipal Complex, 11555 W. Civic Center Drive. The country jamboree-style event marks Marana's birthday and is open to the public.
Tucson Local Media / Explorer News
Reid Park Zoo invites Tucsonans to name new baby giraffe. Reid Park Zoo is asking the public to help select a name for its newest arrival, a baby giraffe born earlier this month. Voting details are available through the zoo.