Arizona weather forecast: Monsoon storm threats return to Arizona

PHOENIX - Temperatures will cool down over the weekend, thanks to improving rain chances across Arizona.

The Weekend:

Sunday was a cooler day in the Valley, with a high temperature of 106 degrees, only two degrees warmer than normal. Skies were dry and mostly sunny in many spots. Storms are tracking through western Arizona, the White Mountains, far northern Arizona and south-central Arizona. These storms will continue through the evening, bringing flash flooding and potentially severe wind gusts.

Late Sunday evening, showers and storms will become more widespread. There is a chance of a dust storm or blowing dust into the Valley around 8 p.m. and after. The Valley will likely see storms overnight, and widespread rain will track northeastward through central and northern Arizona overnight through Monday morning. 

Flash flood watches are in effect for all of central and northern Arizona tonight through Monday evening. They are also in effect for the Valley and the southern part of the state through late tonight due to long-lasting, heavy rain.

Upcoming Week:

Rounds of showers and storms will track across the state on Monday, so grab your umbrella before heading out Monday morning! Temperatures will stay cooler, with a high of 97 degrees. 

Below-average temperatures will stay in the forecast all week for Arizona, with low 100s in the Valley. Skies will be drier for all Tuesday through Thursday, before rain chances increase again next weekend.

A Look Back:

Saturday was a hot and humid day in the Valley, with a high temperature of 113 degrees in Phoenix, and a record warm low of 94 degrees. Dew points climbed into the low 60s, making the air feel muggy. A few short-lived showers and storms passed through during the afternoon, but the day was mostly sunny and dry. Meanwhile, heavy storms tracked across the high country of northern and eastern Arizona, even bringing flash flood warnings to the Grand Canyon.

Storms built in southern Arizona Saturday evening, some of which are severe and have caused flash flooding. As storms continued to form over the south/southeast, outflow boundaries were expected to develop, moving north/northwest toward the Valley and Pinal County. 

A blowing dust advisory wa in effect for most of southern Arizona tonight, including in Maricopa County, and dust storms with gusts of 45 to 55 mph and low viability under one mile will be possible. Behind the dust and outflows, storms brought damaging wind gusts, along with heavy rain and potential flash flooding. Flood watches were in effect for the Valley and surrounding areas through Saturday night. Most storms will ended around 11 p.m., but a few clusters made it into Sunday morning in the high country.

Flood watches were in effect for the Tucson area through Sunday.

The extreme heat continued Friday, with a record-warm morning low of 94 degrees in Phoenix, and high temperatures reaching 112 degrees.

Extreme heat warnings expire in the mountains and Grand Canyon, along with Mohave County, Friday night. The warning continues one more day for the Phoenix and Tucson areas.

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.

Be prepared and stay safe during the monsoon

"Most Valley residents know how quickly and furiously storms can move in and out, bringing strong winds, dust, rain, and flash flooding. These storms can cause interruptions in services, such as water, power, and gas," stated Captain Ashley Losch of the Glendale Fire Department.

GFD reminds residents of ways they can be prepared and stay safe:

• Have flashlights with extra batteries on hand.
• Have food that can be prepared without the need for cooking or refrigeration.
• Have at least one gallon of clean water for each person in the household.
• Have backup power for anyone requiring power for a medical device.
• Have backup power for cell phones that do not require charging.
• Have a first aid kit ready and accessible.
• Never drive into areas with flowing water; it takes less than 10 inches to wash a car away.
• Avoid flooded areas, such as washes.
• If waters are rising, seek higher ground.
• Do not approach downed power lines, the ground can be energized for up to 200 feet.
• Keep pets indoors during storms.

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