Favorable conditions for rain and thunderstorms, possible flooding in Phoenix this weekend

Favorable conditions for rain, thunderstorms and potential flooding are likely to affect metro Phoenix and western Arizona over the weekend, the National Weather Service in Phoenix said.

"So far today, we've seen scattered thunderstorms, some of them producing heavy rain. So for the remainder of today, we're looking for additional storms to form," weather service meteorologist Matthew Hirsch said. "Some of those storms could produce strong winds and even large hail. We're also anticipating the potential for flash flooding."

According to Hirsch, there is a 50% to 60% chance of rain and thunderstorms throughout the day on Saturday, which will increase to a 95% chance during the evening in Phoenix.

"There's certainly going to be lightning. There is roughly a 50% chance of seeing winds of about 35 miles an hour," Hirsch said.

The National Weather Service also issued a flood watch for parts of southeastern California, though Hirsch noted that there is nothing for Arizona yet: "The potential is there because there are some scenarios with some very heavy rainfall."

Hirsch also said that there is a 10% to 20% chance that Phoenix and surrounding areas could experience small hail of less than one inch and a 5% chance that it could see hail that is more than one inch. Hirsch noted that volunteer spotters with the weather service said they had seen nickel-sized hail earlier in Tucson and pea-sized hail earlier in Phoenix.

On Sunday, the likelihood of rain and thunderstorms decreases to 20% to 30% throughout the day with a 5% chance on Sunday evening; however, those storms are likely to be less severe and hail is very unlikely, Hirsch said.

The National Weather Service is also forecasting a high of 85 degrees on Saturday and 79 degrees on Sunday in Phoenix.

"If there's a storm approaching, try to pull over or do not drive that fast, but be careful driving," weather service meteorologist Gabriel Lojero said. "Continue to monitor the weather conditions, and if you see threatening weather, take shelter."

Lojero noted that the weather service is expecting dry, clear conditions throughout the weekdays next week until next weekend, when the likelihood of rain increases to about 20% by next Friday and Saturday.

Reach the reporter Jeremy Yurow at Jyurow@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Rain, thunderstorms likely to hit Phoenix area over weekend