If the scorching summer temperatures in the Lake Havasu region are a kind of storm, locals will be exposed to it this week.
Lake Havasu City residents may have noticed cooler than normal temperatures since Monday, with daytime highs in the low 90s. During this time, daytime temperatures often approach or exceed 105 degrees every day. And Havasu is expected to experience relatively cool weather in the coming weeks, according to the National Weather Service.
Meteorological officials expect temperatures to reach around 100 degrees Celsius over Friday and Saturday, with temperatures dropping to 94 degrees Celsius on Monday. Daytime highs are not expected to drop below 100 degrees again next week until Wednesday afternoon.
The National Weather Service’s Climate Prediction Center says much of the southwestern U.S. could see below-normal temperatures through June 30, while the eastern half of the U.S. has a 50% chance or more for the rest of the month. We expect the temperature to rise. .
According to the National Weather Service, Arizona residents may think of this month’s cooler weather as a “appetizer” for the upcoming monsoon season.
pre-monsoon coolness
Arizona’s monsoon season runs from June 15 to September 30, when Pacific winds bring cool, moist air to much of the southwestern desert. When these moist currents meet Arizona’s extreme summer heat, the result is sporadic and heavy rainfall throughout Arizona.
“There’s been a persistent upper storm stagnation over Southern California this week,” said Matt Woods, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service. “It keeps us cool and comfortable, but it looks like this will continue into next week. The heat is our biggest concern at this time of year, but so far it doesn’t seem to be a factor. is not a monsoon weather pattern.”
Woods said this week that high-altitude, high-pressure currents over Arizona could bring rain to northern Havasu. And while a flash flood may be unlikely, Woods didn’t rule out the possibility for the next few months.
“This is a hopeful monsoon weather appetizer for the Havasu region,” said Woods.
monsoon season is coming
About 40% to 50% of annual rainfall in northern Arizona occurs during the monsoon season, according to the weather bureau. And for Lake Havasu City, last year’s monsoon season was unusually wet.
In 2022, Havasu and the surrounding area recorded 3.13 inches of rainfall, compared with an average of 1.01 inches for the season.
According to the National Weather Service’s Center for Climate Prediction, precipitation in the Lake Havasu City area is expected to match the average annual precipitation. However, long-term forecasts predict higher-than-average daily temperatures in the summer from July to September.
get ready
While heavy monsoon rains may not occur frequently in the City of Lake Havasu, storms have historically been a public hazard in other parts of Mojave County, including Kingman and areas further north on Interstate 40. is causing
A little planning can go a long way for residents planning to battle monsoon weather this year, according to the Arizona Emergency Information Network.
In the event of a monsoon-related emergency, the network encourages residents to develop and rehearse a family communication plan, including meeting points and out-of-town contacts. Residents should build an emergency “go kit” with enough nonperishable food and water to keep their family members (including pets) alive for at least 72 hours. Copies of family prescriptions and important documents should also be included.
Residents are encouraged to be aware of the hazards in the communities they travel to. Residents should also remain vigilant for hazards such as debris and overhanging trees where they live.
Residents should remain vigilant for water spills and potential flooding on Arizona roads, according to the Emergency Information Network. Dust storms can pose a hazard to drivers as visibility is very limited and residents are advised to park and wait for the dust to settle.
The network also advises residents to evacuate if thunderstorms are possible during monsoon weather and watch out for landslides on rocky terrain.
The county will keep the public informed
The Mojave County Department of Risk and Emergency Management plans to hold a meeting with first responders ahead of this year’s monsoon season to discuss weather risks and emergency response capabilities in the county.
As part of the National Weather Service’s Regional Monsoon Awareness Week social media campaign, which is scheduled to begin on June 11, county officials are using social media to educate the public about the monsoon, according to Risk and Emergency Management Director Joe Dormer. He said he would warn him of the danger.
“By staying aware of potential hazards and heeding warnings and recommendations, you can reduce the risk of injury or fatality,” Dormer said. “Avoid crossing flooded washlands, drive slowly on wet roads, and stay away from washlands and flooded areas.”
