Some relief from the heat? Parts of Arizona will get 1st monsoon storms of the year

A heat wave has been breaking extreme heat records in Arizona, but some relief may come with monsoon rains likely arriving by the middle of this week in parts of the state, according to the National Weather Service.

Although the monsoon, which runs from June 15 to Sept. 15 every year, kicked off about a month ago, the state saw its first monsoon rains of the year when a few scattered showers hit southern Arizona this weekend, said Kevin Strongman, a meteorologist with the weather service in Tucson.

While this monsoon is forecast to have above-normal temperatures and below-normal precipitation — leaving Arizonans to weather a hotter and drier summer compared with past years — Tucson and Flagstaff are expected to enjoy some rain this week, with the first thunderstorms expected to arrive on Tuesday.

Phoenix, however, will likely stay out of the monsoon's reach, with little to no chance of seeing the first rain of the season anytime soon. The city's rain chances were expected to top on Tuesday at 10%; after that, chances will stay below 5% for the rest of this week and will likely stay low through the following one, meteorologist Matthew Hirsh said.

Tucson area to see 1st thunderstorm of the season

Some areas south of Tucson already saw a few monsoon showers on Saturday and Sunday, and the Tucson area was expected to see its first monsoon thunderstorm on Tuesday evening, Strongman said.

Although the rains will likely bring some needed cooldown amid soaring temperatures, he advised residents to take precautions during the storms as abundant moisture also brings in heavy rain with a chance of flooding.

"Keep in mind the dangers of thunderstorms," Strongman said. "If you hear thunders, go indoors. We also get some gusty outloads that could potentially bring some dust concerns."

A flood advisory was in effect for Huachuca Canyon in Cochise County until 2:15 p.m. Tuesday due to excessive rainfall overnight. Strongman advised residents to stay alert for potential warnings.

Chance of showers, thunderstorms in Flagstaff

Flagstaff will also see up to a 50% chance of showers and thunderstorms on Tuesday as moisture levels start to climb, according to meteorologist Paige Konieczny, who advised residents to check the weather and road conditions during storms.

Monsoon showers were seen for a few hours near Oak Creek Canyon and passed west of Sedona on Monday evening, according to the weather service. On Tuesday afternoon, Flagstaff radars found storms increasing coverage across the White Mountains and Mogollon Rim.

"The main hazards will be gusty winds, lightning, and brief heavy rain. Expect precipitation chances to linger into the evening," the weather service said Tuesday on a Twitter post.

Even as rains are rolling in, meteorologists predict that temperatures will remain dangerously hot by the weekend. Highs are forecast to reach 110 degrees by Saturday in Tucson and approach the 100 mark in northern Arizona.

"Don't let (the rain) fool you," Konieczny said. "We're still going to be seeing some warm days, so just be sure to stay hydrated outside."

How to stay safe during the monsoon

The Phoenix Police Department devised a list of resources and safety tips for drivers to consider while on the roads during the monsoon.

Tips from the department's website:

• Do not attempt to drive through a flooded road. The depth of water is not always obvious. The roadbed may be washed out under the water, and you could be stranded or trapped.

• Six inches of water can cause most cars to lose control.

• Two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles, including SUVs and pickups.

• Don't drive around barricades. Turn around and go the other way.

• Treat non-working or flashing traffic signals at intersections as a four-way stop. Proceed with caution.

Additionally, the Arizona Emergency Information Network says flooding can cause power outages, traffic issues, damage to buildings and landslides.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Arizona sees 1st monsoon storms of the year