Tropical Storm Priscilla Expected to Bring Heavy Rain to Arizona

PHOENIX, Arizona — Arizona is bracing for significant weather changes as the remnants of Tropical Storm Priscilla approach the state. The tropical storm, currently downgraded from hurricane status, is likely to lead to several days of rain starting Thursday.

As of Thursday morning, Priscilla was located about 165 miles west-southwest of the southern tip of Baja California, with maximum sustained winds of 45 mph. The storm is moving northwest at 8 mph and is forecast to weaken into a post-tropical cyclone by Friday, according to the National Hurricane Center.

The weather in the Valley is expected to be mostly cloudy with a high reaching 94 degrees, marking the last stretch of warm temperatures before a cooling trend sets in. Rain chances are estimated to be around 10 percent during the day on Thursday, increasing to 30 percent by evening.

On Friday, those chances will rise significantly—up to 40 percent during the day and peaking at 80 percent Friday night into Saturday. The storm could bring steady and light to moderate rainfall, although some areas may experience flash flooding due to heavier downpours.

A Flood Watch is currently in effect for much of Arizona, including the Valley, from Friday afternoon through Saturday evening. The National Hurricane Center warns of numerous flash flooding occurrences expected in central Arizona, with scattered instances throughout other parts of the state.

In addition to flash flooding, thunderstorms may develop, particularly during the afternoon on Saturday, posing risks of strong winds, lightning, and small hail. Rain is expected to linger into Sunday, where chances remain at about 40 percent.

Forecasters note that another tropical disturbance is expected to bring additional rainfall to southeastern Arizona early next week, creating further uncertainty in the weather outlook.