Monsoon moisture and potential flooding expected throughout Arizona
The National Weather Service in Phoenix has issued a flood watch for all of Maricopa, Pinal and Gila Counties starting Sunday afternoon through Monday morning.
Areas in central and eastern Arizona should expect lightning, heavy rain, small hail, gusty winds and blowing dust, as well as localized flooding through the middle of the week.
"Thunderstorm impacts will include strong outflow winds and blowing dust with locally damaging wind gusts, then transition more towards heavy rainfall and localized flooding," said the National Weather Service in Phoenix in a forecast discussion on Saturday.
According to the National Weather Service in Phoenix, there will be a 30% chance of rain on Saturday and a 60% chance of rain on both Sunday and Monday.
Temperatures in the Valley are also expected to drop due to forecast thunderstorms.
"The increased moisture and storm activity will allow temperatures to cool significantly through the first half of next week with many lower elevation communities struggling to reach 100 degrees on a few days," according to the National Weather Service in Phoenix.
The temperature high on Sunday is expected to reach 104 degrees, while the high on Monday is expected to dip as low as 98 degrees. On Tuesday, the temperature high will likely reach 97 degrees and on Wednesday, 100 degrees.
The National Weather Service in Flagstaff has also issued a flood watch from Sunday afternoon to late Monday night for Yavapai County, southern portions of the Mogollon Rim and the White Mountains.
Flash flooding is possible in washes, streams, and low water crossings. Arizonans are advised to avoid flood prone areas like creeks and drainages. Recent burn areas are especially vulnerable to flooding, according to the National Weather Service in Flagstaff.
The flood warning follows days after intensive flood mitigation efforts began in areas in and around Flagstaff, particularly in neighborhoods near burn scars from recent wildfires.
The city of Phoenix has a list of safety tips and resources on their website for homeowners and drivers experiencing monsoon weather.
Reach breaking news reporter Haleigh Kochanski at hkochanski@arizonarepublic.com or on Twitter @HaleighKochans.
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Flood watch issued; lightning, hail, wind, heavy rain expected for AZ
