Strong Thunderstorms and Cooler Temperatures Forecast for Arizona

PHOENIX, Arizona — Arizonans should prepare for significant weather changes over the next few days, including strong thunderstorms, heavy rain, and cooler temperatures.

The National Weather Service (NWS) reports that today, the Valley is experiencing partly cloudy skies with a high of 106 degrees, well above the average of 98 degrees for this time of year. This heat is attributed to a ridge of high pressure that affected the area earlier this week.

However, an area of low pressure offshore from San Francisco is expected to break away from the jet stream and drift toward Arizona today, increasing the likelihood of storms in southeastern and eastern Arizona as moisture is drawn into the state.

Residents in the Valley may experience gusty outflows from evening storms, potentially resulting in blowing dust, although there is also a slight chance of thunderstorms tonight.

On Friday, storm chances in the Valley are projected to rise to about 60%. Severe storms could bring heavy rainfall, localized flooding, large hail, and damaging winds, particularly from late morning through mid-afternoon. Evenings may still see storm activity.

A Flood Watch is in effect from today through Saturday for southeastern Arizona, including parts of Pinal County and eastern Maricopa County. Areas like Apache Junction, Fountain Hills, and Casa Grande may receive one to two inches of rain, with the possibility of higher totals in repeated storm-hit locations.

Saturday will still see storm chances at around 30% in the Valley, decreasing to 20% on Sunday as the storm system departs. Temperatures are expected to cool, peaking in the mid-90s on Friday and approaching 90 degrees over the weekend.

The NWS in Tucson has also issued a Flash Flood Watch for parts of Cochise, Santa Cruz, Gila, Greenlee, and Pinal Counties effective from Thursday morning until Saturday evening. Meteorologists caution that strong thunderstorms may lead to blowing dust and heavy rainfall.

As the weather evolves, officials urge residents to stay informed and prepare for possible disruptions due to storms over the coming days.