Arizona weather forecast: West Coast storm system bringing cooler temps, rain chances to the state

PHOENIX - Officials with the National Weather Service say Phoenix should see cooler temperatures through this weekend and into Monday.

Sunday:

Temperatures cooled down across Arizona on Sunday. Phoenix only warmed to 83 degrees. Skies were mainly cloudy and winds were gusty across the state.

For towns along and north of the Mogollon Rim, winds gusted at 40 to 50 mph. Flagstaff winds reached 49 mph and Show Low reached 46 mph. The Valley even saw 25 mph wind gusts.

In southern Arizona, Red Flag Warnings were in effect for southern Pinal County, indicating high fire danger. 

Winds will lighten for most of the state overnight, but the Mogollon Rim will stay breezy through the morning. 

The Upcoming Week:

Another wind advisory will be in effect Monday from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. for the Mogollon Rim, Colorado Plateau and Bradshaw Mountains. In these areas, the winds will gust up to around 45 mph. The deserts, including the Valley, will not be as windy, with maximum wind gusts of around 25 mph.

Skies will be mainly cloudy on Monday. The Valley may see some sprinkles or light showers, but the heavier rain will take place during the afternoon through the overnight in the mountains and high country. 

All rain will move out of Arizona by Tuesday morning, leading to sunny skies and cooler temperatures. The Phoenix area will even see high temperatures around 80 on Monday and 79 on Tuesday. 

Mid-week will warm back to the mid-upper 80s.

This Past Friday and Saturday:

Saturday was a warm, breezy day in the Valley, with a high of 92 degrees. 

Rain showers passed through early in the morning, bringing light accumulation in north Scottsdale and Cave Creek, and slightly higher amounts to the mountains of north-central Arizona, including Payson and Flagstaff. The rain and clouds moved out for all except eastern Arizona, where isolated showers continued through the evening near the White Mountains and the southeast. Rain will end overnight.

It was a clear night, with a low around 67 degrees in Phoenix. Winds will lighten overnight.

According to NWS data, Phoenix reached a high of 92°F on the afternoon of April 10. The morning low was 69°F.

The average high temperature, per data, is 81°F.

You can always check the latest weather conditions by visiting the FOX 10 Phoenix weather page, or download the Free FOX 10 Weather app, which is available on Apple iOS and Android.

Scroll down this page for satellite and radar, day planner, records, current temperatures, 10-day forecast, forecast highs, and recent rainfall totals, plus live video feeds.

The following heat safety information was provided by the Scottsdale Fire Department.

What are Heat Emergencies?

Heat Cramps: Profuse sweating, fatigue, extreme thirst, muscle cramps

Heat Exhaustion: Headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea/vomit, Cool/moist skin

Heat Stroke: Elevated temp. +103degrees, confusion/irrational behavior, dry/hot skin, rapid shallow breathing, rapid weak pulse (shock), seizures, unconscious

What to do

• Get person into shade or cool location.
• Cool person with cool, wet cloths (neck, groin, armpits, head) and fan body.
• Sip cool water if person is alert.
• For muscle cramps, massage muscles gently, but firmly until relaxed.
• *If symptoms worsen, call 911.

What not to do

• Do not give anything by mouth if person is vomiting, unable to swallow or unconscious.
• Do not underestimate the seriousness of a heat emergency.
• Prevention/Preparation for hike/exercise in heat.

Know your limitations

• Hydrate (begins day prior to hike/exercise, hour before hike, during and after).
• Wear proper clothing, lightweight and light color, protect head, proper shoes.
• Always carry a cell phone and best to hike with company.
• Always tell someone where you are hiking and when to plan to return.

Preventing heat exhaustion/heat stroke

The Arizona Department of Health Services stated the following precautions can be taken to prevent heat exhaustion or heat stroke:

• Stay in air-conditioned buildings.
• Find a cooling center/hydration station.
• Limit outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day (mid-day).
• Check on at-risk friends, family, and neighbors at least twice a day.
• Drink water before, during, and after working or exercising outside.
• Check the UV Index.
• Check the heat risk map.

Road Conditions

• Call 511 anywhere in Arizona or 1-888-411-ROAD (7623)

Rain/flood safety tips

The American Red Cross' tips for heavy rain situations and flood safety:

• Turn around don’t drown! If you must drive and you encounter a flooded roadway, turn around and go another way.
• If you are caught on a flooded road and waters are rising rapidly around you, get out of the car quickly and move to higher ground.
• Tune in to your local radio, NOAA radio, or news channels for the latest updates.
• If your neighborhood is prone to flooding, be prepared to evacuate quickly.
• Follow evacuation orders and do not attempt to return until officials say it is safe.
• If power lines are down, do not step in puddles or standing water.
• If power is out, use a flashlight. Do not use any open flame as alternate lighting.

 

Preparing for a severe thunderstorm 

The American Red Cross' tips for preparing for a severe thunderstorm:

• Put together an emergency kit.
• Know your community’s evacuation plan.
• Create a household disaster plan and practice it.
• Purchase a battery-powered or hand-crank radio
• Discuss thunderstorm safety with members of your household. Be aware that a thunderstorm could produce flooding.
• Pick a safe place in your home for household members to gather during a thunderstorm. This should be a place where there are no windows, skylights, or glass doors, which could be broken by strong winds or hail and cause damage or injury.

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