Arizona’s heatwave is breaking record heat, but monsoon rains could begin in parts of the state by the middle of this week, potentially easing a bit, according to the National Weather Service. .
The annual monsoon, which runs from June 15 to September 15, began about a month ago, but this weekend saw several sporadic showers in southern Arizona, marking the state’s first monsoon rains of the year. Meteorologist Kevin Strongman said. Contact the Tucson Weather Department.
The monsoon is expected to bring warmer-than-normal temperatures and less-than-normal rainfall, giving Arizonas a hotter, drier-than-normal summer, but some rain this week in Tucson and Flagstaff. on Tuesday when the first thunderstorms are expected.
However, Phoenix is ​​likely to be immune to monsoons, and the first rains of the season are unlikely anytime soon. The chance of rain in the city was expected to peak at 10% on Tuesday. Meteorologist Matthew Hirsch said the odds for the rest of the week remained below 5% and were likely to remain low into the next week.
First thunderstorm of season in Tucson area
Some areas south of Tucson have already seen several monsoon rains on Saturday and Sunday, and the Tucson area is expected to experience its first monsoon thunderstorm on Tuesday night, Strongman said.
Residents were advised to take precautions in the event of a storm, as the rain is likely to bring much-needed coolness amid soaring temperatures, but the abundance of humidity will bring heavy rains with the potential for flooding.
“Keep in mind the thunderstorm hazard,” Strongman said. “If you hear thunder, go indoors. Also, there may be gusts of wind, which may raise concerns about dust.”
A flood advisory was in effect for the Huachuca Valley in Cochise County until 2:15 p.m. Tuesday due to excessive overnight rain. Strongman advised residents to stay alert for potential alarms.
Showers, thunderstorms possible in Flagstaff
Humidity levels will begin to rise in Flagstaff, with up to a 50% chance of showers and thunderstorms expected on Tuesday, according to meteorologist Paige Koniezny, who will be checking the weather and road conditions in the event of a storm. advised residents to do so.
Monsoon rains were seen near Oak Creek Canyon for several hours and passed west of Sedona on Monday evening, according to the weather bureau. Flagstaff radar Tuesday afternoon found the storm expanding its range across the White Mountains and Mogollon Rim.
“Main hazards will be gusty winds, lightning strikes and heavy rains of short duration. Possibility of precipitation expected to continue into the evening,” the Bureau of Meteorology said in a Twitter post on Tuesday.
Meteorologists expect temperatures to remain dangerously hot through the weekend, despite persistent rain. Temperatures are expected to hit 110 degrees Celsius in Tucson by Saturday, with temperatures approaching 100 degrees in northern Arizona.
“Don’t let (the rain) fool you,” Koniechny said. It’s still going to be a warm day, so please stay hydrated outdoors.
How to stay safe during the monsoon
The Phoenix Police Department has produced the following list. Resources and safety tips for drivers Consider when you are on the road during monsoons.
Tips from the Ministry’s website:
- Do not attempt to drive on flooded roads. Depth is not always obvious. Subbases can be washed away by water and become stranded or trapped.
- In 6 inches of water, most cars can lose control.
- A 2-foot torrent can sweep most vehicles, including SUVs and pickup trucks.
- Do not drive around barricades. Turn around and go in the opposite direction.
- Treat a non-working or flashing traffic light at an intersection as a four-way stop. Please proceed with caution.
moreover, Arizona Emergency Information Network Flooding can cause power outages, traffic disruptions, building damage and landslides, it said.
